#the timeline doesn’t check out for that to be real lol

[akkivee]

shakku knows about hitoya’s drive for retribution and kuukou knew about his beef with jakurai and i’m sitting here wishing i could see how those conversations happened lmao

[hysterotic]

I know you said no to requests but I was hoping to see your take on how baji acts like when he is interested in someone > < hopefully we can see that in your upcoming chapters ❣️

i might’ve said no to requests but i can’t resist when it comes to keisuke.. i’ll try to keep this as canon as possible while still feeding you<3 this is for final timeline keisuke baji.

𝑯𝑶𝑾 𝑲𝑬𝑰𝑺𝑼𝑲𝑬 𝑩𝑨𝑱𝑰 𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑺 𝑾𝑯𝑬𝑵 𝑯𝑬’𝑺 𝑰𝑵𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑫 𝑰𝑵 𝑺𝑶𝑴𝑬𝑶𝑵𝑬 :

one thing about keisuke that gets me weak is how confident and cocky he is, he doesn’t come out as obnoxious and very look at me! look at me! even though he has some flashy tendencies, but not the type to give you the ick (ifykwim). so when it comes to the person he’s interested in (you) he is NOT shy and very straightforward with his feelings.

although he never really had any romantic experiences or crushes before (that we know of) so i’d think he’d be pretty confused on why he’s interested in you, he wouldn’t even realize that he is and he wouldn’t go to his friends for advice either cause he knows how annoying they could get. but if any of them paid close attention to him they’d notice how different he seems when you’re around. he’s more quiet and observant, his eyes are almost always stuck on you. they could hear him muttering little things to himself whenever he’d stare at you and take a pretty good guess on what’s going on in his head.

“fuck, why am i getting so distracted for? this is stupid.”

“there’s nothin’ special about them, why am i losing my cool?”

“goddamnit. don’t have time for this.”

speaking of staring.. that man is shameless. he doesn’t care if you catch him staring, he actually likes it when you lock eyes with him and held your gaze, and he’s never breaking it off, like he’s daring you to look away, and you know his stares are intense. (clit throbbinggg lol). i’d describe his stares to be more assessing than leering. you’d catch his eyes roaming all over from head to toe during a conversation with you or if one of his friends are talking to you and he’s around “they’re always there, in my line of sight. what am i supposed to do about that?”. although in your point of view it looks pretty daunting since he has an intimidating rbf, but what you won’t catch is him checking out your tits / ass. just cause he’s shameless doesn’t mean he’s not a gentleman, although he has his moments where he does stare, what can i say? his eyes likes to wander.

trust that his mom will definitely know about you, (depending on how your relationship with him is like) she’ll ask about you to him and he just brushes it off with :

“mom, don’t do this to me.”

“you need to quit beating around the bushes and ask them out.”

“it’s not that easy, damn.”

“language!”

he will not make a direct move! at all! he’d expect you to figure out that he’s interested in you on your own, not because he doesn’t take rejection well, he just prefers not to be rejected, if you like him back, most likely you’ll end up pursuing it more and he’ll run with it. if you don’t, he’ll just sit there with his mind running all about you til one day it just dies.

i did say he’s straightforward but he’s not the type to approach and be like “hey, i like you, date me.” right away, he’s the type to claim you before you even knew that he likes you. not in a “you’re mine.” way, but in a way where he would scare off / beat up every guy that tries to confess to you or heck, even considers liking you. he’s very protective and possessive when it comes to the person that bugs his mind 24/7.

do you know that one little cliche trope where the guy prevents the girl from having any type of romantic interest because he likes her but refuses to tell her so he just keeps her single for years? yeah, that’s keisuke baji with you.

and god does he love it when your physically uncomfortable when a guy is hitting on you, a real good excuse to casually insert himself in between you two with no explanation, no apologies–he is just there, and the other guy quickly gets the hint cause, come on, this is keisuke baji.

he might say something like, “you really gonna waste your time with this guy?” to the poor dude’s face, without even looking at you. he’s confident enough to make sure every guy knows where he stands, even if he doesn’t say it outright. nobody’s fucking with you like he does, which might spike up some dating rumors but he doesn’t care.

he’s very attentive when it comes to you, from the way you did your hair differently to the small changes in your mood, he’s hyper-aware of your presence, even when he doesn’t seem to be paying attention. if you look uncomfortable or upset, he’s the first one to pick up on it.

if he does end up telling his friends about you, they’ll start talking to you more often and dragging you around with them, especially kazutora or manjiro, not much from chifuyu since he knows keisuke would be a little cranky over the fact that his friends are bothering you, (even to the point of luring keisuke and you somewhere remotely romantic that a group can do to not make it seem suspicious.) he doesn’t complain that you’re there, more like a “they shouldn’t be around guys like us.” but from your point of view it looks like he’s annoyed by you being around.

you might notice that whenever you’re out with them, he’s always positioned himself between you and anyone else that might get too close, (or at least in his line of sight), it’s not overt, but it’s clear that he’s marking his territory in his own way.

in rare occasions, the most affectionate / intimate thing he could do is him noticing that you always get this specific snack / drink from the vending machine, and as your hanging out with him and his friends and walk past one, he’d stop and grabs himself a drink, including yours. only disappointing thing about that is that he also grabs kazutora and chifuyu one so you don’t really feel special, sometimes you do catch him buying you and only you something, telling you to shut up and take it / grunts after you thanked him for it. (he’s so cuteee) :

“not cravin’ iced tea anymore?”

“oh! no i just can’t have cold drinks right now.”

unfortunately when you associate yourself with people like them you’ll get targeted by other gangs, you start to notice a pattern on how it’s always, always. ALWAYS, keisuke that comes and saves you :

“how come it’s always you that comes and saves me?”

he ignores you, muttering to himself. “tch, fuckin’ warned those guys that having you around would only cause trouble.”

“what?”

“piss off, will you? quit letting them drag you around, it’s not your crowd.”

“but-“

“don’t argue with me, you’re not cut out for this, and i’m not pulling you out of another mess.”

yeah, he scolds you, a lot. but i promise he means well.

the only thing that’s “player” about him is his habit of leading you on, only because he’s not exactly sure what he’s feeling about you, does he just think your cool? is he actually attracted to you? is this all a misunderstanding? who knows.

but all of that isn’t for nothing, keisuke is not the type waste his time to fuck around and play with your feelings, sure he has the tendency to be inconsistent and impulsive whenever he’s trying to achieve something but he will not be with somebody he’s not 100% sure of, it takes him awhile to get there yeah but he doesn’t wanna regret his decision, keisuke’s not the type to rush, he’s also not the type to give 2nd chances either, so if anybody fucks him over in any way he’s done.

[philtstone]

title: check yes, juliet

Summary:

It doesn't matter that Juliet is a freshly-minted, top-of-her-class field agent (alright, so she hasn't actually been in the field yet) or one of the few women working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation's cutting edge check fraud department (just last week, their 20-year-old coffee maker broke and they ran out of number two pencils to mark up their overhead projector notes with): every time her mother calls, all she does is lament that her beautiful, intelligent daughter isn't meeting any eligible bachelors.

“Maybe that’s for the best,” Maryanne sighs eventually. “All O’Hara women fall for liars, Julie. It’s our curse.”

Juliet has to wonder if she didn't scoff at her mother's claim a little bit too soon.

my brother & i had the earth shattering realization a month ago that the plot of "catch me if you can" (2002) is almost to a tee just a mildly alternate psych timeline and that thought has lived in my head rent free to such an insane degree that eventually 14 thousand words poured out of me in au fic form. im posting it so as many other people as possible can see the vision. and also because im sure theres one person other than me who revels in early seasons shawnjuliet's frankly insane levels of chemistry, lol. enjoy!

READ FULL FIC ON AO3

Excerpt:

“Your average bounced check would be routed to the bank it originates from, so you’d only really have a few days in one place before you were discovered. This guy’s been filing off the routing numbers, changing ‘em somehow – so cleanly and neatly that it’ll take a real sharp eye to notice. It’s all about the branch you’re cashing it in. A check cashed in at Chase Manhattan with the one changed to ten’s gonna bounce halfway around the country before anyone figures out it’s rotten, and by that point this asshole is long gone. The numbers go East, Central, West – you see how they cover 0-60, 70-80, and of course they require a special kind of ink to be recognized as real checks, which you’d all know if you’d read the report I circulated …”

Juliet doesn’t notice the full cup of orange juice in front of her until it’s too late. 

Her head’s still full of Carlton’s two hour long briefing this morning, during which she learned more about check fraud than she’d have ever thought a single person could in one lifespan. Certainly not Juliet, who’d originally studied literature at Florida State. Then again, back then she’d have never expected to end up an FBI agent, either.

Then there’s the wired, tense feeling in her gut that probably won’t go away ‘til this sting is over and they bring in the pathetic local guy Carlton’s been tracking for the last week. His MO is pretty girls in pastel dresses, which made Juliet the right man – woman – for the job. At least maybe doing this’ll help the guys in the office take her seriously as a field agent. And, well … she does love a nice peachy pink cardigan. The color goes well with her complexion.

“This idiot’s no real con man, he’s just a clown who can’t be bothered to work an honest job. Child’s play compared to the real thing. ” Carlton tends to pause here, angry that he’s got to acknowledge it like that – the real thin g. “ You know what they’ve been calling him in the papers these days?”  

Him . Always him. They don’t have a name on the subject yet, despite over a million cashed in fraudulent checks. Juliet hums and nods so her partner feels acknowledged. 

“ The skywayman . Pathetic. Like he’s some magician or something, instead of a two-bit liar who thinks he’s smarter than me. ”

“This isn’t personal, Carlton ,” Juliet says tiredly. “ It’s not like he knows who you are to be deliberately toying with you.”  

“Oh yes he is. I know he is. I know him .”

Her hands aren’t quite shaking, because that would be stupid; this guy, their local guy, shouldn’t have a gun on him, and if he does he’s not the type to shoot a woman. Juliet focuses on the paper in front of her and tucks a lock of her hair behind one ear. A window of ten minutes – that’s what Carlton said. Unlike Carlton’s unsub nemesis, they know plenty about this one. He’ll come in, dressed like the middle-aged schlub he is, loose tie probably, gray slacks, thinning hair. He’ll notice her, buy her a soda she’ll accept with a faulty check and then pick her pocket for the cash. The string of pearls at her neck makes her a sweet college girl whose parents have money. She mentally forces herself to stop chewing her lip and instead moves her right hand down to her lap, where she can pick at her nail polish without anyone seeing. 

“Well, obviously we wanna catch him,” Agent Dobson says, when they’re a third of the way through the morning briefing and half the room is asleep or dreaming of lunch. Juliet, of course, has been furiously taking notes. He means the Skywayman; he means the real thing. “But you gotta admit, Lassiter, there is a bit of a magic show to a good con, isn’t there? The press has that one thing right.”

“It’s not magic. It’s lies and deceit and a healthy helping of audacity, and a damn good typewriter. O’Hara, write that down. We’re gonna go through that list of makes and models again, see what we can come up with.”

Deep breath. Her purse, orange to match the cardigan, is in her lap. The gun’s in the purse. She’ll draw it, but not to shoot. This is the kind of work she’s begged the Chief for, and she’ll be just fine.

Maybe Juliet would feel less desperate to prove herself if this diner wasn’t in Miami, and her father didn’t gift her the only string of pearls she owns.

A voice clears itself quietly above her.

“Uh, excuse me? Hi, yeah, hi. That’s my seat.”

READ MORE

[betelgo0ze]

the last thing I wanna do is start a shipping war but

Also I’m not dissing anyone you can ship who you want and I’m not seething at the mouth with veins popping out of the side of my head as I type this. I have feelings on the matter but none affect my day to day life and I cannot stress how calm I am about this and I don’t want to start any arguments over fictional non canon couples I would love to hear calm input as we both respectfully share our opinions I literally could care less if you ship them like ngl I enjoy it until I remember a few things but anyways

Obikin feels weird to me.

I love the fanfics and fanart people make of em, don’t get me wrong, but once you remember Obi-Wan met Anakin when he was nine it begins to feel a bit off. Obvs ppl don’t think of this and I don’t mean it in a bad or mean way but more of a “just ignore that” way. I haven’t seen anyone bring it up so I’m going off of that; I haven’t witnessed the entirety of the internet so I very well could be wrong.

It just rubs me the wrong way. I WANT to enjoy content of them but I can’t help but remember their canon timeline. I think a few changes to canon could fix this though. Teen Ani crushing on his teacher(but Obi wan never doing anything w him until he’s MUCH older bc ew)is hilarious to me and I eat that shit up. I don’t condone that in real life obvs but this is Star Wars. Last time I checked we don’t have those in real life.

idk whenever I see stuff of them I pretend Obi wan only started training him once he was like 15-16 after Qui-Gon died and Up until they were kinda trained together even tho Obi-wan is like 14 yrs older.

it’s the same age gap as Han and Leia but it’s different bc Obi wan basically raised Anakin.

I’m deff overthinking this but not bc I don’t stand by it bc I do, it’s just that this all is fictional and doesn’t matter but it’s finals season and I rather worry about this in my free time/non studying time than finals

Again would love to hear your thoughts. I’m gen not judging idrc lol I’m just interested as to what other ppls POVs are. Obvs if you ship kid Anakin with Obi wan please do not share that lol sometimes sharing is NOT caring and not to over share but that’s kinda a trigger??? So please no mentioning that lol

I eat up dead dove but I think there’s a diff between dead dove and weirdos. If I read dead dove or splatterpunk in general it’s not cuz I enjoy it but it’s bc I’m here for the ride and I wanna see where this shit goes. I enjoy fucked up things because they get me thinking. They make me question ideology’s and also what the fuck is wrong with ppl. I’m studying to be a criminologist so weird stuff in general is kinda my major lol

[ruinedbylanadelrey]

Hi so the request is wanna make is a Joel miller x plus!size reader. I was thinking that maybe before the apocalypse happened Joel and the reader where married and the reader was Sarah’s stepmother Sarah loved the reader as if she was her real mother maybe Joel and the reader got a divorce because they started to argue about the bills maybe the day Joel signed the papers they slept together one last time so the reader found out she was pregnant and the day of the outbreak she was getting chased by an infected and she gave birth in the house so the reader is Ellie’s mom and Joel is Ellie’s dad but he never knew about Ellie so the reader didn’t die because she was immune she doesn’t know how she didn’t turn so maybe she joined the community Joel was in but she didn’t know they were keeping her daughter captive and Ellie knows what her mom looks like because she has a picture of the reader so maybe when they were in the city the reader told Joel how Ellie is his daughter he is shocked but Ellie knew so the reader and Joel get back together maybe when they are at the hospital the reader volunteers to take Ellie’s place in the surgery Joel tries to talk to the reader not to do it the reader just tells him she loves him and tells him to take care of Ellie so Joel saves his wife and they head back to Tommy’s town and they get their happy ending (sorry it’s long let me know if your ok with it just message me of what you think and if you would write it it’s fine if you don’t)

This is an interesting concept. I love it. I had a lot of fun writing this. Buckle up, everyone! We're going for a ride. the amount of calculating i did so the timeline would match was insane for me lol.

Word count: 3K

masterlist

Warnings: angst, alludes to smut, f!reader, death, birth-giving, jealousy, ellie<3, joel being joel, mention of joel’s attempt, mention of David

50 percent of marriages end in divorce and the other 50 just live in harmony. You thought you had it made when you married Joel Miller, he is everything you look in for a person. You checked off every box for him. Joel loved how you treated Sarah as your own, just being such a good mother figure in her life.

You met Joel when he was 30 and you were 25, you were the receptionist for the construction company he worked for. You were just the most beautiful woman to him and every man you worked with could see it too.

You were the one who made the first move. You didn't care for anyone else but him, mainly because he wasn't trying to get in your pants. He treated you as a person. You two became good friends, you would hang out with him and Tommy outside of work.

He eventually introduced to Sarah. She instantly loved you, she always asked about you and wanted you to come over and listen to whatever was the hottest new album that came out since you were still young enough to enjoy pop culture.

"Hey, would you like to grab a beer after work?" You stopped Joel before he had to leave to go to the site. Joel was surprised by your forwardness. "Are you asking me on a date, sweetheart?" Joel flashed a smile at you as your face flushed with red. "I guess I am, whatcha say, Miller?" You smirked at him. "It's a date." Joel winks before he left with the others for the day. The date was just the beginning of the romance between the two of you. 2 years later you were married.

-

4 years now you're crying in the kitchen and Joel staring at the ceiling. "I'll be staying with my brother until we get the papers signed." You broke the silence. Your relationship with Joel finally came to end when you both had enough of being at each other's throats.

You would fight about literally anything. It would be about bills one day then the next day he said he doesn't feel anything for you anymore or you realized that you can't love anyone when you can't love yourself. The reason for divorce was to work on yourselves.  

When you broke the news to Sarah she was livid because she could see that you both love each other so much and you guys were being stubborn and couldn't see it. You felt your heart break when Sarah said "Please don't stop being my mom." you explained to her that no matter what happens she'll always be your sweet girl.

-

The day you were supposed to sign all the papers the world collapsed. It was the worst day of your life no matter what. If the world didn't end you would be divorced from Joel and since the world did end you lost your Sarah and almost lost Joel forever. You can't get her screams and cries out of your head, and the image of Joel holding her as she took her last breaths. Then Joel trying to end his life made you break further.

-

Another 4 years go by and you stuck by Joel. It was just strictly platonic. You were the last thing he had in the old world and he was the same for you. You were each other's comfort and safety net. Though still you were still legally married that didn't matter when it was a lawless world around you.

Joel and you found yourselves a group and did what you had to do to survive. You watched Joel become a ghost of the person you once knew. He could see you as yourself. Just as flippant and caring.

You still yearned for Joel's love and companionship but he found it in another woman, Tess. You couldn't help but be hurt and jealous. You liked Tess and could never hate her. You envied what she had; Joel in the palm of her hands.

Joel didn't mean for it to happen but life loves to derail everything well. "I'm leaving the group...I'm going with Tommy." You sat with Joel in the apartment you shared in the QZ. "You're not leaving." Joel thought he could change your mind, but nothing could. "Joel, I have nothing keeping me here and I rather go with someone who doesn't see me as a second choice." Your words cut into his wounds.

"Darlin'...," Joel pulled you into his arms, "N-no...Joel. I'm leaving tonight." You pushed him off of you and started packing your go-bag. "This is it? After everything we have been through." Joel was angry not at you but at the way things turned out. You stopped packing and looked at him. "You don't need me, Joel. You don't even love m-" "Stop talking before you say something you'll regret." Joel didn't want you to make him face the music.

Joel walks to you and you stood up straight to look him in the eye. "You don't love me." You snubbed, Joel's eyes clouded with hurt and pure rage. The next few moments were hazy.

Joel crashes his lips into yours, your hands gripping the collar of his flannel bringing him as close as possible. Moans leave your mouth as he undresses you, then you come to when the moonlight leaks in through the windows. Your legs tangled with his and his skin on yours. You remove yourself from his hold.

You put your clothes back on and take your bag. You look at Joel sleeping unknowing that he will never see you again. Tommy was waiting with Marlene outside the door. "We're ready when you are." Marlene gave you a weak smile. "I'm ready." You nod and follow them to escape the place where you don't belong.

-

You ran like hell from the QZ, your feet ached and your back was on fire as you fly through the trees. The screams and growls were catching up to you. The safe house was just in view, "Marlene!" You blockade the door trying to buy yourself time to hide. No one was there yet, all you had to defend yourself with was the switchblade Joel gave to you when you first started dating.

You felt your water break and fluid drenched your legs. You got up the stairs and threw yourself on the ground. Your body was ready to give out when you started pushing.

Your screams echoed through the empty home. The growls and scratching were at the door, the next push was interrupted by the infected breaking down the door with their excessive strength. You were crying as you put up your best fight. Your adrenaline pumps through your body. You made the fatal blow and threw the body off of you.

A cry came from someone other than you. You reached down to hold the small child in your hands. Your body was coming down from the high and your thigh was aching. There was the mark of death etched into your skin. "No, no, no, no." You scrambled for your blade and cut the cord. The infant was still crying and you started to console her.

You forgot for a moment about your fate being sealed and watched the most beautiful creature in front of your eyes. "You tell 'em Ellie." you gave a tired laugh and just soaked in what you thought were the final moments of your life.

-

When Marlene found you, you didn't say anything about being bit, but you let her leave with Ellie so you could collect yourself. You waited and waited to turn into a monster but your time never came. Every day you would wake up and have to calm yourself down, 'You're okay...' you found the word to describe yourself...immune.

You knew you couldn't raise Ellie in the group you found yourself in. Marlene and you decided to give her up to FEDRA to give her a shot at life. That meant many nights crying into Tommy's chest and just feeling like you lost everything. You made Tommy swear he would never say anything to Joel about Ellie. When you and Tommy left the fireflies, you had no contact with Marlene anymore.

-

14 years went by just thinking about Ellie, Joel, Tess, and Sarah. Nightmares consumed you and didn't let you rest.

Ellie was being held captive and soon to be turned into a science experiment. Joel found himself smuggling this fiery kid who reminded him of you. He didn't ever put too much thought into it. The day you left he would look for you everywhere and in everyone.

The day after Marlene sent Ellie packing with Joel he saw your switchblade in her hands as they passed time. He told himself it couldn't be yours, it's not it was one of a kind. Everything was too coincidental but he tried not to think about it...more like tried not to think about you.

Ellie knew about you, Marlene let her have a picture of you before sending her off to her death with Joel. Marlene knew about your last night with Joel. She knew that Ellie was Joel's child and she couldn't break her promise to you 'Don't ever let Joel know...or even Ellie, know about each other...' because you were her best friend but she was afraid that you would kill her. Anytime Ellie looked at your picture she thought you were the most beautiful person ever and made sure no one ever saw the picture. It was a part of herself she could keep to herself.

Joel came in riding on a horse and Ellie trailed behind him on hers. The news about two new coming into the community made its way to you and Tommy. You both didn't think much about it because it wasn't anything new.

People would come and go. Tommy was helping on structuring another building for the community and you were helping with the school coordinating the calendar for a school year. "Tommy's brother is here and he has some child with..." a woman whispered to another lady and your ears burned. You scurried away from the table and found yourself vomiting into a trashcan.

This is can't be real. He can't be here and with a child? What child? Did he knock someone else up? "Sweetie, are you okay?" An older woman came over and held your hair back, her hand rubbing your back trying to soothe you. "I'm fine...I think I'm gonna call it day." You spit off some more saliva and walked back to your house. You first stopped by Tommy's since it was right next to yours but no one was home not even Maria.

The night passed on and Maria was knocking on your door and she got impatient and walked in. "Y/n? We need to talk" Maria calls out, you emerged from the kitchen with a glass of water. You looked like you've seen a ghost. "I take it as you heard the news." Maria sat you down on the couch, you started to sob.

It feels like the universe was teasing you and it wasn't fair. "He doesn't know you're here...and he's here with Ellie." You felt the air in the room not be enough to breathe in. Ellie...your Ellie. "How?" "The devil works but Marlene works harder...he's supposed to smuggle Ellie to the fireflies. I don't know why they want her." you knew why...she has to be immune too. That's the only reason why.

You heard the door open, Tommy was standing there with a sorry look on his face. "You told him, didn't you?" you asked, Tommy, sighed and tried to look for the words he wanted to say. "You fucking broke your promise!" You darted toward Tommy pushing him against the wall, your arm raised and your hand clenched into a fist. "Hey! Hey! Let's take a deep breath, Y/n...I didn't say anything about Ellie...I just told him you're here. He kept asking if you were alive. That's all." Tommy grabbed your hand on put it down. You were huffing trying to catch your breath.

"He wants to me take Ellie to the fireflies...Y/n, he's at his breaking point." Tommy sighed and looked at Maria. You look back at her and she just shook her head. "She is the key to the vaccine." the words hit you like a train. You knew what that meant, Marlene told you about what they needed to make the vaccine work.

"They have to kill her to make it work." You spoke, and the couple looked at you. "I remember Marlene telling me the science behind it...I can't let this happen. It has to be me." You weren't making any sense to them. "What are you saying?" Maria quipped, you looked up at the ceiling and pulled down your sweatpants. Tommy didn't look down at you and Maria looked at your right thigh. A scar in the shape of a bite with the cordyceps tendrils underneath the skin.

"You're immune..." Maria was stunned, you pulled your pants up and Tommy quickly looked at you. "Looks like you guys have another secret to keep." You laughed to lighten the mood.

-

Tommy brought you to the house where Joel and Ellie were staying for the night, his knuckles knock against the door. You wait for a moment and the door swings open to Joel, he's aged, a few new scars litter his face and he still has his signature beard that you've always loved. "I think you two have some business to attend to...Goodnight." Tommy excuses himself, leaving you at the door with the man you never stopped loving.

Joel moved out of the way and let you inside. You move in silence to where is supposed the living room but it was barren with a weathered couch in the center. "She's our kid...isn't she?" Joel broke the silence, when he opened the door to your face everything clicked in his head. "Nothing ever gets past you." You exhaled, and Joel lets out a weak chuckle. "Does she know?" Joel asked as he leaned back with his arms resting on the back of the couch. "No. I made people keep their promises." You were always the one person that people never crossed because karma was always on your side.

"I said something to her that I should have never said..." Joel recalls just moments before you showed back up into his life 'You're right...you're not my daughter. And I sure as hell ain't your dad.' he hated himself from that very moment. "Joel, you've always spoken before you thought." You remember all the times his mouth got him in trouble.

"Now, Joel I'm going with Ellie tomorrow...I can't let her do this." You broke the news. Just as thought Joel had you back, he was about to lose you again. "No, you're staying here" Joel protested, he'll be damned to let you go. "I am, I know where to go and I know the team down there. I need to be there for her. She's my baby girl..." You knew your words were useless because he will try everything in his power to keep you from going.

The stairs creaked and you both turn to find Ellie trying her best to stealth her way back up the stairs. You stood up and looked at the girl in front of your eyes. You drank in her presence, noticing the scar on her eyebrow, her puppy dog eyes and how they sparkled, and the slope of her nose. "Ellie," you whispered trying not to scare her. Her face lit up when her name fell off your lips.

Ellie walked down the stairs and met you and Joel in the living room. She stopped just a few feet away from you. Joel watched the two of you look at each other. He was checking off how similar you guys are, the way you both stood and how you carried yourself. "Mom." Ellie ran into your arms, and you naturally accepted her into an embrace. You rested your head on top of hers, breathing her scent, and listened to her breathing. You swayed gently, her breathing became heavy as tears spilled from her eyes.

"I'm here...forever." You murmured while stroking her hair. It was the most beautiful thing to see, a mother and her child. The warmth of a mother's love is like nothing else. "Hey...guess what? you sure as hell are my dad." Ellie pulled away a little to look at Joel. Her laugh filled the home. "I knew that would come back and bite me in the ass." Joel stood up and came beside you. He tucked the hair out of Ellie's face. "C'mere you little shit." Joel pulled her from your arms into his. He laid a kiss on her head.

"You too, darlin'" Joel brings you into the embrace. You couldn't help but sob at the reunion before you knew that you would have to lay down your life for her. -

The journey to the fireflies brought you and Joel back together as a couple, and you fell in love again with each other. It made it hard for you to not tell him everything about what is going to happen you get to the hospital. Everything with Ellie made you thirst for blood again, you feel like you failed as a parent when Ellie ended up killing David. You did everything in your power to help Ellie process what happened and nothing she did was wrong but she shut you and Joel out.

Joel woke up in a hospital bed alone. Everything around him made him uneasy. The tension in the air was suffocating. Marlene was speaking to him slowly, making sure she didn't tick him off.

But when Marlene explained everything to him, he snapped. She knew that she had to get him out and make sure they could get this done.

You tried to reason with Marlene and let you be the one to die but the doctors thought it would be great to experiment on you and Ellie. You begged for Ellie to be spared. You were sedated before her before you could put up a fight. Marlene warned them about your life with Joel and how ruthless you are when it came to protecting the ones you loved.

Joel snapped at the right moment. He moved through the hospital without any thought in his mind. He didn't wake from his haze until he shot Marlene. He was trying to conjure up what he would say because knowing Ellie and you, questions were going to be asked and will need to be answered.

[compacflt]

i’ve got a question about your writing process: in order to write a 30 year narrative, you create it out of hundreds of individual moments & actions, and each one has to function by itself and also part of a whole—have truth to itself and emotional resonance in a timeline. imo the key to doing this successfully is to care about each moment and make each one memorable, which seems very difficult: you have to get at the meat of the human behavior, believably, in a way that matters and explains and progresses the story, every time. and to write 200k words of it you do it hundreds of times! could you talk a bit about idea generation for each moment and how you brainstorm and write them?

omg an excuse to make more diagrams ! Thank you so much for this lovely ask!

okay: in case you don’t want to scroll through like four/five months of my inane icemav Poasting, I’ve done a couple other posts that go into my process — here about specifically chapter 1 and here about the fatal flaw of my fics from a construction standpoint

but from an idea generation standpoint… it’s pretty boring and cynical. I literally just make checklists. “things that HAVE to happen.” here’s my notes app check list of stuff that HAD to happen for the story to make sense in my rewrite of what is now chapters 8 & 9. this is from last december lol

and here’s a checklist/diagram of the major story beats and the changes in relationship dynamics throughout the story. any one of these dynamics changing reflects on the others in a way that‘s worth talking about. the hard part is finding a framing device or scene to talk about them.

the A plot of the fic is ice’s relationship with the navy, primarily. his arc is defined by his rank. so that’s the number 1 dynamic I wanted to focus on in such-and-such scenes, and why I stuck as stringently as possible to the “one rank per chapter” formula until ice got to the top & had to reckon with what being at the top actually means. His change in ranks is inspiration enough for most scenes because it shifts the dynamics in a way that is worth remarking upon in and of itself.

as an example im thinking of this scene (mostly because it’s short but also) because i think it’s kind of representative of how my idea generation process works

It fills a lot of gaps that i needed filled at that specific juncture in the story. the idea started with a stupid little section of dialogue in my head (mav would be surprised that ice’s official Navy docusign signature isn’t his actual signature) that happened to be symbolically relevant too (of course ice would have two different signatures for his two different personas). Then it morphed into a discussion of Ice’s canonically unhappy-looking compacflt portrait, which is canonically unhappy-looking. Then add onto that ice admitting he’s only happy at home (home obviously meaning with maverick, given that he’s literally in his house right now and still doesn’t feel like he’s home) and maverick telling him, “well that’s a problem that has literally the easiest fix in the world. youre making this way more complicated than it needs to be. just come home to me.”

so it’s literally just checking off boxes of things I wanted to talk about. as I said, a very cynical creation process. ✅ ice and mav doing the long-distance-relationship phone call thing (framing device for the whole scene). ✅ mav knowing ice’s real vs fake signature ❤️. ✅ ice’s canon unhappy compacflt portrait that makes an appearance in TGM. ✅ ice not feeling at home in Hawaii. ✅ ice not being fulfilled by the job & only being fulfilled by mav. ✅ ice coming up with excuses to see mav at any possible chance he gets. ✅ ice still obviously thinking of mav and Bradley as his family & maverick as his home. Etc etc. You see what i mean? how many stupid little ideas, symbols, and dynamic shifts can i cram into a page or so? that’s pretty much my thinking.

[imtrashraccoon]

Can I request something based on something you reblogged to your side blog? The one about canon papyrus being the only one who doesn’t baby/belittle worry about sans?

Also, I think he’s the smartest of the main AU trio (swap, fell, and canon) because his sole passion being puzzles instead of Murder and Timelines. so including something like that?

Sorry, I’ve never requested a writing thing before but I love your work so much! ^_^

💬

Of course you can, Anon! I hope you like headcanons though because I had no idea how I'd write a crossover like this lol

For those wondering, this is the post in question.

I will preface this by mentioning that I have nicknames for each of these precious bois.

Undertale Sans: Classic

Undertale Papyrus: Vanilla

Underfell Sans: Red

Underfell Papyrus: Edge

Underswap Sans: Dell

Underswap Papyrus: Saffron

Also, I headcanon that Sans is the elder brother in these AU's although the actual age gap may vary. I usually go with about eight years difference because I like the idea of Sans raising Papyrus by himself after Gaster was scattered across time and space. One other thing I should mention is that the Underfell brothers have LV and so Red's HP is higher, but compared to the rest of the Underground, he might as well only have 1 HP.

Papyrus' Thoughts On Sans' Low HP

- While Classic is the weakest monster Vanilla knows, he also knows that his older brother worked extremely hard for years to raise them. They didn't have anyone else and until Vanilla had outgrown his stripes, he was reliant on his brother for everything. They had occasional disagreements of course as children normally do, but no matter what happened they still had each other.

- If Classic was able to do all that, he can handle himself well enough, now if only he could motivate himself enough to properly look after himself. To put it frankly, he respects his brother and loves him dearly.

- Vanilla certainly worries quite a bit about his brother. While Classic is well liked by almost everyone, everytime he gets into an encounter could be the last time. They actually used to spar quite a bit when Vanilla was learning how to use his magic but Classic always avoided every attack. They had to stop though when Vanilla got a little too competitive and Classic began having a hard time keeping up. That was just before Papyrus started trying to join the Royal Guard.

- Vanilla has taken over most of the household responsibilities now, mostly because Classic is struggling with some things, but also because he finds enjoyment in a job well done. While he doesn't really understand what his older brother is going through, Vanilla still loves him dearly and will do anything to try and support him. He's confident that he can help, afterall, he is the Great Papyrus! He is the best at encouraging and supporting his loved ones.

- While Red did his best to raise Edge on his own, they struggled to survive for several years and both had strong personalities which led to many, many fights. They are very much family as they both share the same stubborn nature and are hot-headed to a fault. Unfortunately, this led Edge to resent Red as he didn't think his older brother's rules made any sense. He was the Great and Terrible Papyrus after all! Anyone who would dare challenge him to a fight must have a death wish! It also didn't help that Red wasn't the nicest, but neither was Edge either.

- As soon as Edge was out of his stripes, he got a reality check real quick. Apparently, not everyone would leave him alone, now that he wasn't seen as a child, if he taunted or insulted them. This was when he found out how low Red's HP was. Even Edge had far higher HP and he'd barely been in any encounters so far.

- Cue Edge hatching a plan to both protect themselves (while he resents his brother, he doesn't wish him dead because he's the only one he's got) and elevate his status in monster society like he'd always dreamed. He trained day and night to get stronger and as soon as he could pass as the minimum age to apply, he joined the Royal Guard. As the years passed by, he only grew more ruthless and while Red tried to rein him in before he inevitably got himself killed, Edge was far stronger than he'd thought.

- Red had already been struggling to motivate himself to do basic tasks and so he gave up. He'd done everything he could but Edge had long stopped listening to him, so what point was there in trying? He still looked out for his younger brother of course as he'd made many connections over the years. He just had to endure the constant insults and belittling. It was better than being dead though...right?

- As far back as he remembers, Saffron always had Dell and they were pretty much alone. No matter what happened, Dell always kept a bright smile on his skull and assured Saffron that they would get through it together. Saffron soon noticed that despite his older brother's attempts to be popular and well liked, his continued attempts to befriend people only served to drive them away.

- He had a much easier time making friends and he came to be known as the chill, funny skeleton. Dell was almost uptight in comparison, which Saffron didn't understand. What was the point in getting all worked up and bothered if something didn't go to plan? Still, his brother is pretty magnificent, and he'll always cheer him on.

- Saffron sometimes feels like he's the oldest because he is seen as the more mature one. While deep down he doesn't mean to, it's easy to brush off his brother's ambitions for a more reasonable approach. He won't actually say it out loud, but he is often embarrassed by his brother's antics.

- He got used to pulling strings and calling in favours behind Dell's back, just so his brother could remain blissfully ignorant to what people really think of him. Saffron knows that despite how good of a fighter his brother is, with how low his HP is, he wouldn't last long in a real fight. So he often subtly steers him away from potentially dangerous situations so that he can continue being that beacon of joy and hope for those who need it, like himself for one.

As For Vanilla Being The Smartest...

- I'm not going to rank these characters on an intelligence scale because they're all smart. They just have different interests in my opinion.

- To be fair, Vanilla is passionate about a lot of things, like his friends, his future ambitions, and his various hobbies like cooking and planning battles with his action figures. It just so happens that creating puzzles and usually non-lethal traps is one of the things he is most passionate about.

- Thinking up brand new ideas for puzzles and then actually making them is certainly good exercise for his brain, even if he doesn't actually have one. Most monsters, and later humans as well, don't see that about him though. They see his naturally cheerful and sometimes oblivious demeanor as just that and only those close to Vanilla ever truely see him.

- Sure, Vanilla is a bit slower on the uptake in certain social situations but he isn't dumb at all, far from it! He's the type of guy that would figure out the solution to one of those trick puzzle gadgets surprisingly quickly and then immediately build his own that's much harder. He would get a kick out of a Rubik's cube but would end up trying to make different patterns with the coloured sections rather than simply keep solving it.

- Edge also has a lot of passion, unfortunately he is only publicly passionate about being a Royal Guard and fighting. Behind closed doors though, he has many interests, some of which even his brother isn't aware of. He is passionate about cooking and his future ambitions of course, but he's also secretly a bit of a nerd and he has a soft spot for animals. He'll do anything for his precious Doomfanger and he likes to collect human things like books and electronics.

- While Edge does make traps and puzzles, they lack the finesse of Vanilla's and are generally always lethal. Well that's not entirely true, but they'll definitely maime any unlucky person that gets caught and if they're still alive, Edge pretty much always finishes the job. He tries not to think about it much, but a part of him dislikes putting people out of their misery and he often feels relieved when he just finds monster dust.

- Edge definitely has a better combat sense than either Vanilla or Saffron though, but it's because of the rough world he grew up in and all the experience he has. Also, having high LV makes hurting people a lot easier, both physically and emotionally. The other two would probably still be able to give him a run for his money if they ever sparred, although Vanilla would last longer than Saffron just because he likes fighting more.

- Saffron is an interesting case, as he's technically a combination of Vanilla's appearance but with Classic's personality. He doesn't care for a lot of things anymore as he doesn't see the point. He has quite a few interests though that neither Vanilla or Edge share.

- Despite his overall lazy demeanor, Saffron could qualify as a genius if he applied himself. Growing up, he regularly devoured any and all books he could find, both from the Librarby and the dump. He was, and still is to an extent, interested in technical and scientific things, including theoretical physics. He's friends with Undyne of course, to the extent where she occasionally asks for his input with various projects. Saffron would probably have an easy time if he wanted to apply to be a Royal Scientist so he could be more involved, but he doesn't want to go through all the effort. He quite likes being the lazy, carefree brother.

- Otherwise, Saffron enjoys making people laugh, more often groan, with his humor and he's constantly thinking up puns for various situations. He's also musically gifted but doesn't play much, except to provide incidental humour. (Would he also play trombone or something else? I'm not sure...) Another thing Saffron is good at, is gathering information on people. He's very observant, he has to be though with his role as Judge, and the ease at which he can make friends comes in handy when doing so.

[jasntodds]

Caving In [6]

Pairing: Gar Logan x Fem!Powered!Reader, Jason Todd x Fem!Powered!Reader

Words: 13,432

Chapter Warnings: Swearing, fluff, mentions of bruises, panic attack, idk they go to see Jumanji: The Next Level so it’s 2019 because the show’s timeline is a mess and I’m fixing it, there’s a subtle Shazam! reference, little bit of angst, gar and reader talk about their dead parents so i mean, mention of drug addiction

Summary: ❝Tell me Atlas: What is heavier, The world or its people’s hearts?❞ You never expected your life to end up this way, turned upside down by an infamous Gotham villain. It’s been a living hell, every single day, until Dick Grayson brings you to Titans tower where you meet Gar Logan and Jason Todd.

A/N: First of all, next chapter is my favorite chapter and I can’t wait to get there (it’s Jason centric if anyone is curious) and second, this is late because we had a storm and I didn’t have wifi lol I am easily motivated to post more often when I get feedback 😂 The first few chapters take place between season 2 episode 1 and season 2 episode 2. You can add yourself the tag list below, ask me to be tagged, or you can follow my library blog @jasntoddslibrary​​ and turn on notifications if you prefer that!!

series masterlist | masterlist | tag list

Over the next week, you, Jason, and Gar have secret late-night training sessions. You learned your lesson from the first night and were far more careful. Gar helped spar which to him, was also kind of nice because he also got an extra session. You like the late-night sessions with them. It's different than during the day when Dick and Rachel are awake, too. This is just, the three of you and it feels really nice and safe for you. You’ve only woken up four nights over the last week due to nightmares.

Gar walks the tower with you after training and that helps a lot. Jason spends an extra hour in the training room after your sessions. To you, it's kind of like if the impossibility of Jerry being in the tower becomes real, at least Jason is awake. At least you and Gar checked the tower. The two of them just existing helps. And you honestly just really like hanging out with the both of them and they like hanging out with you. You've almost become attached at the hip over the last week.

Now, it's just after ten in the morning and you’re walking into the kitchen in a hoodie and pajamas. Gar and Dick are the ones in the kitchen this time and you’re starting to wonder if Dick spends all of his time in here or the comms lab because almost every time you’re here, so is Dick.

"Good morning." Dick chimes, touches of sarcasm in his voice. You wave your hand haphazardly at him as you take a seat next to Gar.

"Good morning." Gar's voice is chipper and you give him a soft smile.

"Why are you all morning people?" You quip.

"If you weren't up so late..." Dick states.

"I go to bed at a reasonable hour and wake up at a reasonable hour, Dickolas." You state, flashing him a grin. "So, do I get to train this week?" You cut to the chase because you know they’ll be going for a training session soon. Dick does have everyone on schedule.

"No." Dick shakes his head and you deadpan.

"It's been a week!" You exclaim. "I'm fine."

"Yeah," Gar chimes in. "She seems fine." It’s true. You’ve been doing just fine in your late-night sessions together.

"You were limping yesterday." Dick points out.

What Dick doesn't know is that you were only limping because Jason kicked you in the leg a little hard after you kicked him a little hard the night before. But, you can't tell him that without getting all of you in trouble so you roll your eyes.

"Yeah...."

You just want to train with everyone else. Of course, you want to keep the late-night sessions because you like the time with the boys and you could use the extra training regardless. You’re behind and Jason is a very good teacher. But, you just want to be included. You want to feel useful.

"You'll get to train soon." Dick assures you and he really just doesn't want you to injure yourself more.

"Alright." You let out a breath.

"Hey," Gar clears his throat, changing the subject, worried Dick will figure it out. "Did you wanna go see a movie today?" Gar asks looking at you.

"Uh..." You stutter.

What if you run into Jerry? You can't imagine you would because if he thinks you’re dead, he likely is trying to find another lab rat to test on. If he thinks you’re alive with the whole lack of news about a dead body, not that there would be much news since you probably looked homeless anyway and no one cares much for those stories, he might have gone underground to hide in case you actually went to the police. Really, the odds of you running into him aren't very high but the odds of him showing up in the tower are even less than that but that didn't stop you from panicking about him being there. So, what if you do run into him while you're out?

"We don't...we don't have to." Gar assures you, realizing maybe an outing might not be a good idea but you were fine with going with Dick and going with him last week.

"No!" You say quickly. "I want to it's just....um...ya know? Sally's was close and I don't know where the movie theater is and what if it's farther and we run into him? And no one can come help if we need it?"

You felt comfortable going out with Dick because he rescued you and he's Robin. Robin and Batman take down worse criminals than fucking Jerry. Robin did just fine on his own without Batman so going with Dick was a lot easier. And having Gar and Rachel with you, made you feel a little better. Three people with powers, two of which aren't injured sounded a lot better than having one person, not that you think Gar isn't capable. You just don't want to put that all on him.

"We can see if Rachel and Jason wanna go." Gar offers with a soft smile.

He definitely wanted to go alone with you but he's not going to force you or try to convince you. Besides, going out with everyone could be fun and maybe outings with a group will make you more comfortable going out in general, knowing nothing is going to happen.

"Are you sure?" You ask. "I-I mean...I think you're perfectly capable of taking care of Jerry if we did see him, I just...I wouldn't...I wouldn't want you to get hurt."

"It's okay." Gar chuckles softly. "I get it. I'd be fine though but yeah, we can ask."

"Here." Dick hands over enough money for four of you to see a movie, including snacks. "You guys have got to start doing chores though."

"Gotcha, will do." Gar takes the money from the counter with a giant grin. "Thank you."

"What'd ya have in mind?" You ask, leaning back in your chair as you keep your attention on Gar.

"I was gonna see if there was anything you wanted to see." Gar offers, voice as chipper as usual.

"I haven't been to the movies in a year so I'm down with everything." You laugh softly while Gar pulls out his phone, pulling up the closest movie theater to see what they have playing.

"Oh! Have you seen Jumanji? With the Rock and Jack Black?" Gar asks with excitement. "For a reboot, it was so good!"

"It's one of my favorites!" It was one of the last movies you saw in theaters, or at all actually. "Jack Black is hilarious and Kevin Hart with The Rock is truly amazing. Perfect casting. Plus, Karen Gillan is hot so." You gush and this is the most excited you’ve seemed since you got here, it’s warming both Dick and Gar's hearts. If getting you to the movies will get you happy again, Gar will take you to see every single movie, even horror movies. "I didn't know they made a new one!"

"Yeah! Just came out! It looks really good, too! I bet Rachel and Jason will like it, too. They have a show at one?" Gar asks.

"Cool! I'll shower, you wanna ask them to go?"

"Sure." Gar's beaming with a sense of light as he grabs his bowl, bringing to the sink.

"Rinse it." Dick urges.

"Sorry." Gar laughs, rinsing his bowl and putting it in the dishwasher.

Gar rushes off to find Rachel and Jason, leaving you and Dick once again. You’re begging for this not to become a routine. You get up and grab more cereal. You wonder if there's ever actual breakfast that's made given they're supposed to be training. You think maybe there should be, not that you feel entitled to it, but just that you’re surprised Dick doesn't make everyone a breakfast that's good for athletes or something.

"You gonna be okay going today?" Dick asks you.

"Assume so, been fine before." You answer, pouring your cereal into a bowl.

"Your adoptive dad?" He asks and you realize you’ve revealed too much but also can't be bothered to hide it from him. If Jason and Gar can research you, surely he definitely has.

"Mhm." You hum, grabbing your preferred milk from the fridge. "But you knew that." You mutter. "Ya know, talks about Bruce Wayne and all, kind of figured you figured it out or something." You explain. "Presumably, the comms lab is just a giant bat computer."

"Bat computer?"

"Mhm, that's what it's called right? Bat computer? Like Batcave?"

Dick lets out a sigh. "It's not a bat computer."

"Uh-huh, so like, but there's a Batcave, batmobile, BatMAN. So, does Bruce just name everything Bat-something when it has to do with Batman? Like...the baterang!" You exclaim and Dick just blinks at you. "Batshoes? Batcape? Do you actually call Wayne Manor Bathome? Bathouse? BatManor? If you get a dog, is the dog called...batdog? Like in Homeward Bound? Are you and Jason batsons?" You have a shit-eating grin. "And why are you called Robin? Sorry, why is Jason called Robin? Robins are birds. Not bats. So, birdsons." You scrunch your nose. "Batsons is better."

"You think you're funny."

"Oh, I'm fucking hilarious. Gar would be chiming in with other bat things, too." You laugh softly. "Jason would probably start calling things bat-something just to annoy you and Bruce."

"No," Dick shakes his head and you catch the glimpse of a smile. "Not everything is called batsomething."

"What a missed opportunity. Batsons." You snicker to yourself. Dick shakes his head. "Anyway, don't go looking for him." You state. "Jerry, I mean."

"What makes you think I would?" Dick's brows furrow.

"Robin." You state.

"I'm not Robin anymore." Dick says with a sigh.

You roll your eyes. "Mhm, whatever." You take your bowl to the seat you were in previously. "So, you won't find him and hunt him down?"

"No, not since you asked me not to." Dick promises you.

"Thank you. Though, I do think that you should let bring him in when I'm ready." You point your spoon at him.

"Why would I do that?"

"It would make me feel better to know that I survived him, brought him to justice, and he can't ever do that to someone else ever again. Ya know, real Titans shit."

Dick hates the idea but he also knows he can't keep all of you locked in a tower forever training. Eventually, you will have a big bad to fight and take down. Maybe Jerry would be a good test run with the team, to see how you all handle yourselves and he'll be there for backup. Jerry doesn't seem like a huge supervillain, just a guy who beats on smaller people. On the other hand, however, he remembers what it's like looking for the person who wronged him, killed his parents and he ended up dead. He has to live with it every day and heroes aren't supposed to kill people. Even in a year from now, is he supposed to trust you not to go and kill him in a rage fit? It's something he'll need time to sit on.

"We'll see." Dick answers.

You pause, spoon in the air halfway to your mouth. "Wait. Really?"

Dick shrugs. "I said we'll see."

"Well, I expected a complete and hard no so, alright then." You shrug. "Soon as I'm not in pain--"

"Yes, you get to train then." Dick cuts your off. "Your eagerness seems..."

"Overzealous?" You chuckle while Dick nods.

"Yeah."

"I don't like sitting around and I wanna feel useful. Everyone else gets to train." You answer but your voice doesn't turn sour, just honest.

"Okay." Dick nods. "Get better, take it easy, rest, and you'll be training in no time." He offers you a smile, still not quite convinced you haven't convinced one of the boys to start your training. Your eagerness is the selling point for your assumption.

"Aye-eye, Captain." You salute him sarcastically as you eat your food.

Dick goes off to do whatever it is Dick does during the day while you finish your food. Once you’re done, you head to your room to pick out something to wear. You don't have much but you have enough in your opinion. You pick out a pair of pants and a shirt. You top it off with the forest green hoodie you picked out, remembering that movie theaters always tend to be a bit cool. With your outfit in hand, you head to the bathroom for a shower.

Weirdly, you think your face looks worse. The bruises are healing but that seems to make them look more off-putting. The healing tone of the bruises make them look off. You almost grimace at the sight of yourself because no matter how many times you shower, it’s always off-putting but you shake it off because you do want to go to the movies.

While in the shower, the rest of the bruises seem to be healing, too. It's all healing slowly, in your opinion, but healing nonetheless. Besides the boot print, that's still a darker tint and still causing some slight pain with your movements but it's something you just have to deal with. If anything, at least that's something you can take away. You'll be better at just dealing with shit, maybe.

After the shower, you get dressed and get ready. Once you’re done, you head to Gar's room to look for him. Gar's door is open when you get there and Jason is sitting on one of the chairs in the middle of the room while Gar is digging through his closet, clearly looking for something.

"What's...what's he doing?" You ask Jason whose hair is still wet from his own shower, pointing to Gar.

Jason shrugs. "Looking for something to wear."

You glance back at Gar, his head fully buried into his closet, standing on one foot with the other pointed out like he's reaching for something. "Surely, it cannot be that big of a thing...right?"

"Appanrent-fucking-ly." Jason chuckles.

"I'm looking," Gar yells from his closet with a grunt. "For a hoodie."

"You're wearing a hoodie?" You question, moving to sit in a chair beside Jason. "What's wrong with the one you're wearing?" You ask and it's the green one he loaned you your first day at the tower.

"Not big enough." He yells again.

Your brows are knitted, Jason just as confused as you are. "Right." You nod not bothering to dig more into that one. "You coming?" You ask.

"Yeah, figured I'd offer extra protection." Jason smirks at you.

"OR," You start, raising your brows and pointing a hand at him haphazardly. "You could just come watch a movie to hang out and have, wait for it," You lean forward. "Fun." You give him a sarcastic, open-mouthed smile.

"I have fun!"

"Beating a punching bag doesn't count!" Gar yells from behind the both of you.

"See." You lean back.

"Oh, so you want me to go...for fun?" Jason quips and he has a teasing smirk that makes your stomach twist.

You shake your head, trying your best not to smile at him. "For fun." You echo making Jason chuckle.

"I found it!" Gar yells, excitement in his voice as he finally emerges from the closet holding a green pullover hoodie that's definitely bigger than the one he's wearing.

"You sure do like green, huh?" You ask with interest. He does look very good in green and it matches his hair which you find endearing.

"It's my favorite color." Gar beams, seeing you also wearing green. "You're wearing green." He states.

"I also happen to like the color." You laugh softly. "Why such a big hoodie?"

"For snacks." Gar smiles widely, tossing the hoodie he's wearing onto the bed and throwing the pullover over his head. He's basically swimming in it but it's cute.

"For snacks, dude? Seriously?" Jason asks.

"Yeah! Do you want to get up in the middle of the movie for them? And! We can bring our own!"

"Oh, breaking rules now." You quip, just wanting to poke some fun at him.

"They're expensive." Gar defends.

"That's fair." You agree with him. "We always just used someone's purse."

"Really?" Jason looks between you and Gar.

"Come on, I find it hard to believe you paid for every movie you ever saw in a theater."

Jason gets a knowing grin, tilting his head quickly to the right and back up. "True."

"And what snacks are we bringing, Gar?" You ask as Gar walks over to you.

"A bag of Cheez-Its," Gar starts, you finding the choice in the first snack a bit odd for a movie theater but you let him talk. "Airhead extremes, sour patch kids, and skittles." Gar finishes his list with a triumphant smile.

"Watermelon Sour Patch kids?"

"What other ones would they be?"

"Well, you've sold me." You stand up. "Was unaware there was candy here though." Your eyes narrow at him.

"I'll show you." Gar jerks his head towards his door. "You coming? We gotta get Rachel, too. She was just getting ready."

Jason lets out a sigh but gets up and follows the two of you out of the room. The three of you go to get Rachel and then head for the kitchen where Gar shows you where Dick keeps the candy. You only really investigated a few cabinets for food. You found the cereal and stuff in the fridge which was enough for you for now. But now, you know where the candy is and suddenly, this place feels a lot better. Candy has a way of making you better about almost any situation.

Once Gar has the snacks secured in his hoodie pouch, the four of you leave for the movies. It's a fifteen-minute walk which was uneventful besides the few bickering comments Rachel and Jason had for each other. You’re figuring out that's an everyday thing. You don't have siblings but you imagine that's how siblings are. Just, fighting, every day, for absolutely no reason and then being fine five minutes later.

You’re happy you don't have siblings.

You and Gar, on the other hand, walk behind them together and Gar talks about his favorite parts of the first movie. You remember everything about the first movie but he was so excited so you asked for a little refresher and Gar did not disappoint. He mimics Jack Black's character, badly, but it made you laugh and made your stomach bubble. He explained the scene where Karen Gillan had to fight some of the bad guys while the rest of the team got the helicopter. Gar's hand flew around here and there with his words, expressing all the scenes and you chimed in with some of your favorite scenes.

It felt like just the two of you, not even noticing the bickering of Rachel and Jason after a few minutes. Jason and Rachel could have ditched you and neither of you would have even noticed. You're too busy being absorbed in the conversation that switched from Jumanji to games Gar thinks you will like to play since you like PlayStation. He rambles about the different games and you hang onto every word, becoming more interested in the idea of Xbox which might also just be because Gar likes Xbox. But you’re willing to play the games with him regardless, anything to spend more time with him at this point.

Once you get to the theater, Gar and you separate only for him and Jason to get tickets and you and Rachel to stand in line for popcorn and a drink.

"So," Rachel starts, keeping her stare forward at the menu board with a smile pulling at her lips. "You and Gar?" Her tone is a little teasing but always kind.

"W-what, uh, what about Gar and me?" You ask, looking at Rachel and then back at the menu. You do love popcorn and there is truly nothing like movie theater popcorn.

"You guys seem..." She hums. "Like you're getting close."

"It feels like you're digging for something." You look over at her, Rachel catching the smile on your face.

"You'd be cute together, is all." Rachel shrugs.

"He is like..." You try your best to hold back the smile that's splitting your face. "SO cute." You gush. You remember the last time you had a crush on someone and how exciting it felt but this feels so much better. And maybe it's because of everything you’ve been through where this little tinge of happiness feels so overdramatic you could drown in it or maybe it's because he's just not like the people you normally like. "And funny." You beam. "And so fucking nice all the time and caring and protective and he's not a smart ass." You catch yourself rambling. "He just..." You slow down, sucking in a breath. "He makes me forget all the shit, ya know?" Your smile grows a little sad with the words.

"Yeah, he's really at that. He found me in the woods and took me to the Doom Manor, as he likes to call it, and he made sure I was always safe. Always checking on me."

"Are you sure you're not into him?" You ask, just making sure you’re not crossing a line.

Of course, you don’t plan to do anything about it because while you ramble about how great Gar is, you know you could do the same about Jason if Rachel asked. But, regardless, it’s better to double-check.

Rachel shakes her head, scrunching her nose. "No, he's cute but there's nothing there."

"Cool." You tilt your weight to your toes and to your heels. "But like, we're just hanging, ya know? And stuff." You add in, not wanting to give the wrong impression.

You’re not ready for anything, not when you’re still having nightmares and tasting iron trauma. You won't put that on anyone and you never dive into anything that quickly anyway. 

"Yeah, of course." Rachel nods, not believing you but going with it anyway.

"Okay, got the tickets." Gar chimes behind the two pf you. He hands you and Rachel your tickets as he looks at the menu.

"Nachos." Jason mutters behind you. "Haven't had nachos in forever."

You look behind you. "You're one of those? Of course, you are." You joke.

"One of what?" Jason’s voice raises.

"Who gets nachos instead of popcorn." You retort.

"They're good, don't tell me you're a freak who doesn't like nachos?"

"I do! But when I can have movie theater popcorn."

"Did you wanna split a popcorn?" Gar interjects, looking at you.

"Yeah, sure." You offer him a smile. Rachel holding her smile to herself.

You look over to a few people standing by the poster wall with the new releases and upcoming movies. You can feel them looking at you when you look away and maybe you’re just hyperaware of it because you feel a bit more self-conscious now. You know the blatant bruises are an eye sore and the rest of the tower is just too kind and too used to seeing them to say how bad they look. But, it makes you shift in your shoes, like you’re too exposed again. And you’re aware of all of the people around you which, any other time, would have made you realize the people by the wall probably aren't looking at you and just looking in the same direction but this is now and you can't help but feel like everyone around you knows. Knows someone is probably out there looking for you to finish you off and what happened to you. Gar notices the distant and detached look across your face almost immediately.

"Are you okay?" Gar touches your arm lightly to get your attention. You nod, your eyes darting around everyone and Gar knows something's going on. "We can go grab seats while Jason and Rachel grab the food." Gar offers his hand to you and you take it without any hesitation. "Large popcorn, Smart Water, drink?" Gar looks to you.

You mutter your drink of choice, Jason and Rachel nodding in response.

Gar pulls you from the line and off towards the screening rooms, Jason watching you as you disappear. He feels bad for you because Gar wasn't the only one to notice the sudden look of panic on your face. He's seen it before, felt it, it's not something he ever wishes on anyone but he knows you’re in good hands with Gar.

Meanwhile, Gar gets you into the proper screening room, the lights still partially lit with an advertising message on the screen for the food the theater sells. He lets you pick which row and then sits on your left.

"What's going on?" He asks, keeping his voice in a whisper and quiet, not to let anyone else hear him. It's a weekday so there aren't that many people here, still enough to make you uneasy but not nearly as many as a Friday night or weekend.

"I-I-I don't know." You pull the sleeves of your hoodie over your hands. "I just...I saw people and I thought they were looking at me." You whisper to Gar. "And then everyone was just there, felt claustrophobic and my heart was racing and my hands got all sweaty."

"Sounds like a panic attack."

"Yeah," You nod with a sigh, your hand still locked with Gar's. "I got them a few times before after my mom died and on the streets and then ya know, first few weeks with Jerry. Never really had one in a normal situation before."

"It's new again though." Gar assures you. "It's understandable and there's nothing wrong about it or anything." He offers a sincere smile. "There were a lot of people out there, too. I don't think anyone was looking at you, if it makes you feel any better."

You give a faint cornered smile. "Thank you."

"Did you still wanna see the movie?" Gar asks. "It's okay if you don't want to."

"No." Your voice raises slightly. "I do." You smile fully this time. "I just...don't think I wanna be around so many people like that for a little while. Even when Dick and me went, there were only like five people in the stores so it wasn't a big deal, I guess."

"Okay." Gar squeezes your hand, realizing he's still holding it and your hands are still cold. "We can do this regularly if you want. Seeing a movie here to help you readjust if you think it'll help. I'm sure Jason and Rachel will be cool with it. We can grab the seat and they can get the food."

"I'd really like that." You fell heat rise to your cheeks, looking down and back to him.

"If it doesn't help though, that's okay, too. We'll figure something else out." Gar holds his head high with a reassuring smile.

"Thank you, Gar." You suck in a breath, feeling better. The dim light of the theater and lack of more people seems to have helped as did Gar talking to you. "I'm feeling a bit better now."

"Got food." Jason says from the end of the aisle as Rachel goes in first, sitting on the opposite side of Gar.

You and Gar disconnect for the first time since sitting down so you can grab your things. Jason already put your drink in the cupholder before handing you a popcorn. Rachel had Gar's water in hand with her own small popcorn. You all get comfortable in your recliner seats. Jason tilts his back with the footrest popping up while you just lean yours back slightly, pulling your legs up knees bent facing Gar. Gar pulls a knee up as he digs out a bag of Cheez-Its from his pocket making you giggle. His cheeks burn with the sound and he's starting to really love the way your laugh sounds to him. He offers a few Cheez-Its as the lights go down, you taking a few before switching to your popcorn.

The previews play and you’re pretty excited about some of the upcoming movies you saw trailers for. You really missed movies. The idea of not doing anything for two hours besides watching characters on screen is what you consider ultimate peace of mind. Even horror movies bring you that comfort because it's fiction and you’re safe, especially now with the three people that surround you in this movie theater.

The movie plays while you and Gar share popcorn and Cheez-Its, Jason even offering to share some of his nachos if he could have some popcorn. That's one of the reasons Gar asked for the large. Sure, him and you were sharing but he also knew Jason would be stealing some of it. They've gone to see a movie before and despite Jason saying he didn't want popcorn, he absolutely was stealing from Gar's small popcorn the whole movie. Rachel, on the other hand, is completely content with her own popcorn and some of the Sour Patch Kids Gar brought.

About halfway through the movie, Gar, Jason, and you finished off the popcorn, Gar putting the empty bucket by your feet so none of you have to hold it. You have your arm on your armrest, leaning comfortably and toward Gar. He thought maybe you were only sitting like that because it was easier to share the popcorn between you, though not easier for Jason who had to stretch a bit. But, now he kind of thinks either you’re really just that comfortable or maybe, just maybe, you like being a little closer to him. He likes the idea of the second one a lot more. So, he gets the courage from the pit of his stomach, sucking in a breath to reach for your hand. The whole arm move thing is way too ballsy, especially right now, so soon and with Jason and Rachel on either side of you both. He'd never hear the end of it even if you weren’t okay with it.

He interlocks his fingers with yours, sitting a little straighter and focusing a little too much on keeping his attention on the movie, he doesn't even notice you moved your attention to look at you. You appreciate the effort and find it be the cutest thing in the world that he's nervous about it. Maybe it's because this time it's not because he's trying to make you feel better like the previous time but just because he wants to. There's no other reason or purpose and it makes him nervous but you interlock your fingers with his, giving his hand a squeeze while refocusing your attention on the movie. You can see Gar relax in his seat with a giant smile on his face from the corner of your eyes.

Jason looks over and sees it. It crushes him a bit. He talked to Gar and he's not that big of an asshole to intrude if his friend wants a shot at someone. But it is a little bit of a blow to the ego even if he kind of gets it. He never really had a shot anyway, maybe you're too similar and snarky. So, it hurts a little but at least his best friend seems happy and he does like the banter with you so he can't be too mad since he'd probably end up fucking that up anyway.

The movie ends and the four of you make your way out of the theater. Gar and you keep your hands connected, lazy smiles on both of your faces as you start your walk back to the tower. To feel normal is something that's typically indescribable because it's normal. It's easy, every day, someone wakes up and just lives, does their thing, then goes to bed. Most people just have normal lives and those normal lives are sometimes boring, sometimes exciting but normal. Sleep, school or work, eat, friends, family (or a found family), hobbies. Normal. Day to to day life is just that, normal. But, for you, the idea of a normal life became a thing.

Not something day to day to shrug off but something you described as magical (which you do think is kind of lame but it’s true). Because even in day-to-day life, in a normal life, even if it's boring, it is there and there is happiness and hope and love and fun. Even if the only thing someone does outside of their normal responsibilities is watch tv, that is something that brings that person happiness and fun. A normal life surrounded by normal emotions and actions and activities seemed so magical. An abstract idea of a dream life. To be normal because for so long, you lived in fear of the cops finding you, the Joker getting out of Arkham, Jerry. Nothing was every routine or normal about any of it, even living in Gotham. But right now, walking with your hand in Gar's and laughing as him and Jason mimic a scene from the movie dramatically, you feel normal. Magical, like you’re living in that ethereal dream you felt was so out of reach, you'd fall to your death trying to grasp it. But here you are, happy and content and smiling and you haven't known any of them long, but you feel loved.

And in this moment, normal life, to you, is confirmed to be magical and intoxicating.

Back at the tower, the four of you tell Dick about the movie, completely spoiling the whole thing for him. You took turn at first talking about your favorite parts before it turned into all of you talking at the same time with excitement. Dick found it to be a little overwhelming, being yelled at by 4 of you about a movie he hasn't even seen the first one to. But he also found it to be heartwarming and he had a real sense that this was going to work. The new Titans were going to work this time because all four of you were getting along so well, better than the last month has been. He even kind of feels like a proud dad in a way, watching you all get overly dramatic about the movie and listening to you. He hopes it stays like this.

As the night goes by, the four of you have a training session, you sitting on the sidelines with 3 bottles of Gatorade while you watch. After the training sessions and after a quick shower, Gar meets you in your room, a Nintendo Switch and the dock in hand. He connects it to the TV hanging on your wall while you get comfortable in the middle of the couch. Once everything is set up, Gar sits right beside you, handing you the left controller that has a green tiger print skin on it.

"Okay I have Mario Party, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, It Takes Two, Jason normally plays that with me." Gar chuckles softly, scrolling through his games. "Overcooked."

"We can okay Mario Kart." You cut him off. "I had a Wii and I was unbeatable." You hold your head up, prideful smile on your face.

"We'll see about that." Gar huffs, a cocky grin pulling at his lips as he clicks the game.

"I can't beat you at Xbox games but I can beat you at Nintendo game you throw at me."

"I thought you liked PlayStation." Gar teases, selecting a circuit for you to play which of course, includes the harder Rainbow Road.

"I'm a multifaceted person." You quip, rolling your eyes at the selection of Rainbow Road knowing you spent hours just playing that race to make sure you could beat anyone at it.

Gar lets out a laugh. "So am I then!" Gar's smile turns into a smirk. "I do turn into a tiger so."

"Which I still have yet to see by the way!" You yell dramatically as you pick Yoshi.

"Hey! I normally play Yoshi!"

"You should have been faster." You laugh. "I have never used another character, even in Mario Party. The only one I pick differently is Smash Bros."

"Let me guess, Link?"

"Obviously." You chuckle while Gar pick Luigi.

Gar shakes his head. "I'm still gonna beat you though. Even with Luigi." Gar scoots to the edge of the couch, getting in a comfortable position and you can't help but laugh.

You cross your legs, leaning against the back of the couch in a relaxed position. You’re rusty but you’re never one to back down from a Mario Kart competition. Does anyone though?

The two of you hold down the down button on your controllers right at the countdown hits 2 and the race starts. You fly by the bots and each collect a box. Gar gets a banana which makes him groan and you get a green shell. You roll your eyes knowing both of you did not get good power-ups which was to be expected running in first and second place. Gar tosses the banana just to get rid of it and you toss your shell, hitting Gar, surprising yourself. A booming laugh escapes her from behind Gar.

"Seriously!?" Gar yells out, collecting a second box.

"I didn't even mean to." You continue to laugh, missing a second box. "I normally end up running into my own shells."

"How do you even win then?" Gar asks through a laugh.

"Lots of skill, clearly." You squeak as you hit a banana thrown by a bot.

"Sure, that's how it happens." Gar mocks.

"I'm gonna kick your ass." You state, brows knitting together and you know he's going to be harder competition than your previous competition.

As the race goes on, you both continue to get power-ups and occasionally yell about how the bots are unfair, every time you happen to get hit by something a bot threw. But both of you mostly are jokingly yelling at each other whenever one of you hits the other with something. You won the first two races by saving a red shell until the end to hit Gar with. He caught on to your plan quickly and did it to you on the third race to which you called him a cheater. Gar thought it was mostly just funny. With the final rest underway, you lean over and mess with Gar's controller at the last minute allowing you to win.

"THAT IS DEFINITELY CHEATING!" Gar yells, appalled with a giant smile.

"Is NOT!" You stick your tongue out at him.

"HOW?! You moved my hands off of my controller!" Gar yells between laughs.

"I took advantage of a situation which is NOT cheating! It's strategy!" You defend, giggling the whole time, not being able to take yourself seriously.

Gar blinks at you, mouth slightly agape. "That's not a strategy! Rematch!"

Before you can argue, the door opens without a knock and Jason storms in, shutting the door quickly behind him. You and Gar watch him, pausing your argument momentary to see not only why he's here but why he didn't knock.

"Can I help you?" You ask.

"I can hear you in my room!" Jason groans. "You're gonna wake up Dick and we're not gonna be able to train."

"Oops." Gar chuckles.

"Our bad." You give Jason a yikes face.

Jason shakes his head, his stomach twisting at the sight of the two of you comfy on the couch and he could hear the majority of your fake argument. Jason can't really tell if he's jealous of you because he's normally the one that plays Mario Kart with Gar (and definitely cheats to win) or if he's jealous of Gar because he likes just spending time with you but you don't laugh like this around him. It's an odd feeling boiling in his stomach, something he doesn't even quite know how to explain. But, he does his best to ignore it.

"You guys ready then?" Jason asks, hands in his pockets.

Gar and you check your phones, only to realize you've been playing for three hours and it's after two in the morning. You quickly get up, offering Jason an apology before following him to the training room. Jason stands in the center of the room while Gar stands next to you.

The three of you do a few stretches before Jason starts giving directions. To start off, just like every night before this, he wants you at the punching bag to warm up and Gar goes to grab the three of you Gatorade since that's the one thing you forgot this time.  Jason wraps your hands because you insist you don't remember how Jason does it. You do but you like when he does it for you and it seems to make him happy when he does it. It makes him feel needed a little more.

"So, you just get to barge into my room without asking now?" You ask as you hit the bag, glancing at Jason.

Jason lets out a huff. "Not like you were busy. I could hear you."

"Mhm." You hum, taking a few more punches at the bag, the way Jason showed you. "What if you were hearing shit and I was naked?" You quip just to get under his skin.

You spot Jason tense up from the corner of your eyes. "I'd be scarred for fucking life, I guess." Sarcasm drips from his words.

"Oooh, burn." You laugh softly. "Can I barge into your room without knocking?"

"Only if you're okay with seeing me naked, babe." Jason gives you a cornered grin and you stop to narrow your eyes at him.

"I like having eyesight, thanks though, DaRlInG." You give him a smirk before returning your attention to the punching bag.

Jason watches and gives you pointers and he likes this a lot. He feels useful and despite the fact it's only been a week, he's seeing progress in you. You’re determined and smart, he tells you how to do something one time and you’ve got it. It makes him feel like he's actually doing something right here. It's behind Dick's back but if something were to happen to you, at least you have another form of defense on your side and it's because of him.

Gar comes running back in, Gatorade in hand with a heaving chest. You pause, turning to look at him and Jason takes a step forward, both of your faces wrapped in confusion. He gasps for breath before pointing down the hall.

"Dick--"

"What the hell is going on?" Dick comes up behind Gar, arms crossing as he glares at you and Jason by the punching bag.

Jason shifts his weight to his right foot, crossing his arms over his chest instinctively. You keep your face emotionless as you look at Dick just waiting for him to start yelling at you for disobeying him as if he's your dad. Gar looks shameful as he stands just behind Dick.

"Well?" Dick almost yells waiting to a response.

"We're not doing shit, Dick." Jason finally speaks up with a scoff.

"We're just hanging out." Gar chimes in.

"Can't we do that?" You ask.

Dick is being ganged up on by the three of you. He's so disappointed in all of you. You, of course he knew would try to get someone to train tiy behind his back. You’re new and traumatized and everything is all very new to you. He can understand you. But Jason and Gar? Dick made himself clear to the both of them and yet here they are, going behind his back risking you getting injured further.

With Jason, a part of Dick almost expected it because Jason is already a wild child, reckless, doesn't think before he does anything, rebellious. But he's also the oldest and should know better, especially since he seems to actually care about you. But then there's Gar. Gar does what Dick tells him to besides the chores, sometimes he forgets but this? Training you behind his back? Where is that even coming from? He expects so much more from him. From all of you.

And he does not feel like dealing with their lies at two in the morning.

"Didn't I tell you not to train her?" Dick’s attention is trained on Jason. Dick did warn him, specifically not to. Your determination and eagerness was a red flag and he had a suspicion you'd try to convince Jason to train you early.

Gar looks from Dick to Jason and his heart breaks for his best friend. Jason complains sometimes about how he can never do anything right according to Bruce and Dick. He puts all his effort into being Robin and he knows he's good at it but neither of them actually care or notice. It's just always whatever Jason fucked up this time. And now this is another thing. Gar was told not to help and he's right here but Jason is being blamed. It was your idea but Jason is the one in trouble. It makes Gar grit his teeth and bite his tongue.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Jason yells back at Dick in just as much disbelief that he's being blamed fully right now as Gar and you.

Your brows are knitted looking in between the boys. You didn't really understand why Jason has an attitude with Dick. You thought he was just like that, you are. Kind of, you have a reason but you’re also just like that. But now you see it. Dick didn't say Bruce was great and Bruce shipped Jason off here and now he's still not good enough for Dick. He's helping you, and safely right now. Why isn't that seen as a good thing? Sure you aren't supposed to be doing this at all, but it was your idea and Jason is just being a good friend.

"Yeah," Dick nods his head. "I told you she's not ready and you go behind my back and risk hurting her. What is wrong with you?"

Jason shakes his head, fists balling at his sides and why is everything he does always so wrong? Why can't these people that he looks up to so fucking much just have something nice to say about him for fucking once?

"Shut the fuck up." You scoff, moving to stand in front of Jason, eyes locked on Dick.

"I told him—"

"So? I bet him, won the bet and this is what I wanted. And Gar is right there but you're only yelling at Jason. You told me multiple times that I wasn't allowed to train but you haven't started yelling at me yet. What? He's the oldest? Has the most experience so you expect more?" You, part of the gifted kids in school, knows exactly where Dick is going.

"Actually, yeah. I expect more."

"Stop expecting so much and you won't be so fucking disappointed." Your face is hard as you glare at him. "He made sure we were all being safe and it was my fucking idea. I manipulated him into helping me. Gar caught us and didn't want to snitch on us and risk getting us in trouble. The only one you have to be mad at right now is me."

Jason's heart warms with you standing up for him. You literally stood in front of him and took the heat. He is at fault because he did go against what Dick said but he doesn't deserve how Dick talks to him. He's never had anyone stand up for him like that. Not here, no in Chicago, not in Gotham. He can handle himself of course but he doesn't feel so alone with you defending him, cold and strong as stone.

Gar has a cornered grin, one Dick can't see with Gar behind him but you can. Jason and Rachel stand up to Dick but not like that and never to defend each other. And Rachel doesn't really get in trouble, she just disagrees with Dick sometimes. But neither of them quite fight Dick the way you do and with you not even knowing him, Gar can't help but find it both admirable and comical. You almost seem fearless even, standing toe to toe with him, with Jason, after everything you’ve been through. He likes that in you.

Dick sighs, looking behind you and to Jason. Jason gives him a cornered smirk, shrugging his head to the right. "Fine, Gar, Jason, bed now." Dick commands.

"Good night, Y/n." Gar states with a wave and a grin.

"Night." Jason mutters but before he leaves with Gar, he offers you a small but thankful smile and a nod from behind Dick and then leaves.

Dick walks over to one of the benches and sits down, holding the bridge of his nose. Now he gets why Bruce only took one kid in at a time. This is way too much work. He understands the stress and chaos he brought on Bruce now because none of you make it easy on him and he knows he wasn't any better than any of you. Bruce definitely wasn't great and he's determined to be better than Bruce was to him, but it's not nearly as easy as he thought it was going to be.

"Gonna kick me out?" You ask, the coldness gone from your voice and is now filled with hesitance.

Dick looks up you, brows furrowing. "What? No." He shakes his head. "Of course not." He lets out a sigh and you shift your weight from your toes to your heels. "Why would you think that?"

You shrug. "I'm new." Your voice is almost nonchalant. "You're pretty mad, I got two of your guys to disobey you." You shrug, trying to act more casual about it than the beating of your heart is saying. A part of you is actually panicking at the idea of getting kicked out. You don't have anywhere else to go.

"I wouldn't kick any of you guys out." Dicks voice isn't filled with anger anymore, instead, it's sad. "Is that why you got them to help you?"

You walk over to him and sit on the bench. "Kind of." You answer honestly. "If I fuck up and you kick me out, I won't have anywhere to go. I don't even know the city. But....the main reason is just," You suck in a breath, feeling too exposed. "I'm afraid of running into Jerry, ya know? I never want him to know what he did worked. But I need to defend myself some other way."

Dick nods, understanding and while he thinks you shouldn't be training. It's clear, you'll just go behind his back and do it anyway. Your reasoning behind doing it is sound at least.

"Jason wasn't doing anything wrong. I didn't get hurt or anything, not any more than I already am and Gar was just the look out, we didn't even want him involved." You continue.

"You're really taking full responsibility for it?" Dick asks.

"It is my responsibility. My idea, my plan." You nod just once. "Why?"

"You don't seem the type to take the fall for other people."

"Well, it's true."  Your hands are clasped in your lap as you look down to your shoes.

"Yeah but you seem the type to save your ass regardless, especially if something that big is on the line." Dick watches you carefully.

You do not give him the impression that you rat people out. You do, however, give him the impression you would if your life or something significant was on the line. He thinks you’d try to talk yourself out of it but eventually, if it looked a little too bleak, you’d flip and save yourself. But, clearly, he misread you.

You scoff, scrunching your face. "Let's get one thing straight, I am not a fucking narc, Dickolas." You huff, taking full offense to what he said as you look back to him. "And, I do happen to care about the both of them quite a bit so I'd never narc on them, no matter what."

"Both, huh?" Dick chuckles, shaking his head knowing this will probably cause an issue later that he'll end up having to solve which is not where he saw life going.

"Mhm." You hum, sensing Dick growing uncomfortable. "You don't wanna hear about it."

"Yeah, the less I know, probably the better when it comes to that." Dick laughs, a bit relieved. "Well, I guess you can start training tomorrow then." Dick caves because if you’re going to do it behind his back, he might as well let you train. Getting caught isn't going to stop you and Jason, he is almost completely certain of that.

"Wait. What? Why?" You shake your head.

"You're going to do it anyway." Dick lets out a sigh.

"Sweet, thanks." You give him a grateful smile. "I am fine, for the record. You have nothing to worry about."

"Yeah, alright." Dick nods his head, not sure he completely believes you but has no other choice now.

"Well, can I go to bed then?"

"Don't let either of them drag you down, if you need to...narc, do it." Dick warns.

"Nah." You chuckle, standing up. "They'd kill someone and I'd help hide the body."

"You've known them two weeks!"

"When you know, you know." You nod once, smirking at Dick who sucks in a breath, tired of this. "Goodnight, Richard."

"Don't call me that!"

"Dickolas." You chortle, leaving the training room, an exasperated Dick left behind.

You walk down the hallway toward the bedroom and you feel a sense of relief. You knew you would get caught eventually. Dick isn't stupid, especially having been Robining for however long that was a thing. You’re smart enough to think ahead of what the authority figure will say when you get caught. You knew he'd be pissed though you didn't plan for him to blame Jason. You did have a whole speech begging Dick to let you stay which you’re pretty happy you didn't have to use. It's not manipulation. Everything you planned to say was true but you planned it so you'd be prepared. You swore you would never be unprepared again.

And, you feel a lot better knowing that Gar and Jason wouldn't rat you out either. You wouldn't have blamed either of them if they had pointed the finger at you. But they didn't. Jason took most of the heat when it wasn't his fault. It's comforting knowing they have your back, even if it's only against Dick. You know you can trust them.

As the rooms come into view, you see both of their doors open which catches you by surprise. You were sure that with Dick being so pissy, they'd both have listened but nope. You reach Jason's room first, where the light is still on and he's seated in one of the chairs, scrolling through his phone.

"What're you doing?" You ask, Jason shooting up from his seat with a gasp.

"Fuck." He grits his teeth, looking at you holding in a laugh. "What?"

"What're you doing? Thought you'd have listened to him." You lean against the doorframe.

"Nah." He scoffs walking over to the door. "I don't listen to Dick.

"Mmm." You hum, raising your brows. "Noticed."

Jason smiles, licking his lip. "How pissed is he?"

You shrug a shoulder. "Calmed him down, I'm very good at pissing people off and calming them the fuck down."

"Right." Jason shakes his head.

"Start training tomorrow so." You hold your head up high.

"How the fuck did you get him to agree to that?" Jason’s voice is impressed.

"Basically, he said that if I'm going to do it behind his back anyway, he might as well let me train while being supervised." You give him a cornered grin, proud of yourself.

"Wow." Jason raises his brows. "Welcome to the club, I guess then."

"Yeah? Sad kids beating the shit out of each other club? Perfect." You mock.

Jason huffs. "Yeah, something like that." He sucks in a breath, his cheeks starting to ache from the smile plastered across his face. "Thanks for taking the heat from Dick."

"Please." You roll your eyes. "Think I'd narc on you or Gar? Fuck no." You scoff.

"Yeah, why's that?" The question is a taunt.

He knows Gar is into you but he can't help. It just came out and it's so natural with you which is weird to him because he doesn't actually think he has a shot. Not just because of Gar but because he's him. Why would someone like you be into someone him? But he said it anyway and now he's waiting for you to say some sarcastic, snide remark that both will hurt and make him laugh.

You know what he's doing and you think it's cute. You can feel the heat creeping onto your face and you’re trying your best to have a quick snarky remark but you have none. It's all blank in your head and maybe that's part of why you like him. Jason is the only one that can make you forget a smart-ass comment because he's a bit too quick-witted. When Gar makes you speechless, it's because he makes you feel wanted, something you haven't felt in a long time. Jason makes you feel like you’re being punched in the stomach with an adrenaline bomb.

"Hm." You hum. "Wouldn't you like to know." You wiggle your brows at him.

"Yeah, I would." Jason challenges you.

You push yourself off the doorframe, not willing to commit to whatever you’re feeling out loud. "We don't always get what we want, Jason Todd." You tease before turning on your heels, going to leave.

"Y/n!" Jason calls, catching you by your wrist, not enough to grab you, just enough to pull your attention back. You spin back, giant smile plastered on your face. "C'mon, not gonna tell me?"

If you had worse judgment, you would be walking right back to him but you have fairly decent judgment most of the time and that would make a mess you'd have to clean up. You don't want to mess anything up or even commit to anything like that at the moment. One mess at a time.

You laugh softly and you have this sinister grin that makes Jason want to pull you right into his room. "Maybe one day." You taunt. "Goodnight, Jay." You spin back around, Jason walking in between the doorframe to watch you and you don't even go into your room. You bypass it and go to Gar's. But, the nickname swims in his head, over and over like his favorite song. And he has no idea what he's getting himself into with you but he does know it's a lot of fun and he's always liked taking risks. You’re a risk.

Gar, like Jason, is seated in of the chairs by the TV but he's on a laptop watching YouTube when you knock on his door. He looks over at you, offering you a sweet smile before welcoming you. He's been worried about you since he left you with Dick. He was really mad and while Gar knows he wouldn't actually do anything besides maybe give you extra chores or not let you train longer, he was still worried for how you would take it. He knows this is something you really want and he doesn't think Dick should punish you or withhold it from you.

"How'd it go?" Gar asks.

"Fine, I get to start training tomorrow." You beam at him.

"Really?" Gar asks with surprise but a smile stretches across his face. "That's awesome!"

"Yeah," You smile shyly. "I'm surprised, actually. Thought he was gonna like kick me out or something."

Gar shakes his head. "He wouldn't do that. I don't think he'd kick any of us out, even if we killed someone honestly. He just worries about us." Gar explains, sounding a little annoyed with the last sentence.

"Yeah, that's what he said." You scrunch your nose. "Thanks for not ratting me out. I know, it was my idea and you weren't actually involved, but thanks anyway."

"Of course," Gar chuckles softly. "I wouldn't rat you out." He gives you a wide smile.

"Thank you." Your cheeks burn again and you realize you’re in so deep with Gar and Jason.

They just make you feel so drastically different, you don't even know what to do. You wish you could ask your mom. You know exactly what your mom would say. She would tell you that if you like them equally, to either not do anything about it, to not hurt either of them. Or, she would tell you to go with Gar because he's safer and nicer and softer. Jason is rough around all of his edges and shows no signs of slowing down for even the smallest of breaths. Gar would be good for you, good for you mentally and emotionally and for your healing. Jason would encourage every fire-filled thought you have which isn't always the best option. You know that but that's what makes them both fun. Gar is fun in terms of comfort and safety. But Jason is fun in terms of adrenaline and chaos. But, you can't tell Gar that because that just seems cruel.

"I wouldn't rat you out either." You say softly.

"Thank you." Gar chuckles quietly.

The two of you sit in silence for a few minutes and you like it. Sitting with Gar is the only time you can get your brain to stop thinking so much. Just being around him, calms everything down. There isn't this pressure around him to be anything besides just yourself. You don't have to put on a show or an act. Gar just lets you be and you’ve never had someone where you felt like that with. It's always been something, a protective layer, an extra layer of sarcasm, a wall, something but Gar just lets you exist in peace. And you don't want it to end because you’re still terrified of your own nightmares.

"Hey, Gar." You pull Gar's attention from a wildlife documentary he was watching.

"Yeah?" He asks, pausing the video and looking to you.

"C-c-can...can I...can I sleep in here... tonight?" You ask, holding your breath with every word.

Gar's brows raise with surprise but his face softens and he gives you a gentle smile. There's a swelling of pride in his chest with the question. He always aims to make people feel comfortable around him. He never wants anyone to feel anything less than comfortable or like themselves around him. Gar isn't one to judge or care as long people are nice and genuinely try to be good people, that's all that's ever mattered to him. Maybe he's too idealistic for the world, but he thinks everyone deserves a place of safety and comfort.

"Uh, yeah." Gar nods quickly. "Of course." Gar shuts the laptop. "I can take one of the chairs or the floor." He gets up, walking over to the bed to grab one of his blankets and a pillow.

"Um...y-you don't have to...unless you want to." You suck in a breath, chewing the inside of your cheeks.

Gar pauses, standing straight up before turning to face you. "A-are you sure? I, uh, I don't mind."

"I'm sure." You give him a shy smile. "I'm gonna change and then I'll be back." You get up. "Thank you."

Gar nods once and as you leave, he gains the biggest smile he's ever had. You make him feel so bubbly and happy. He knows you’re going through a lot right now and that's okay. He doesn't mind taking it slow and figuring out what you're doing because you're just hanging out and he doesn't expect you to be ready for anything for a while. And, if he's being honest, he sees the way you flirt with Jason and the way Jason flirts with you. If you told him tomorrow, it was Jason, he wouldn't be surprised and would accept the friendship you're building. But, he's hoping that won't happen because it would hurt.

You’re funny and cute and smart, Gar likes your sarcasm and quick-wit. He likes that you’re strong, not because you were forced but because that's just who you are. No one forced you not to go into the system, you made the choice on your own to opt to avoid it. You put on this brave face even in pain and while maybe you shouldn't, there is something Gar admires about you for it. You’re nothing if not determined and stubborn and he likes those things about you.

You come back a few minutes later, the forest green hoodie and pajama pants covering you fully. Gar offers you a smile from the bed, where he's just sitting not sure how you wanted to approach this. You give him a shy and sheepish smile before shutting the door and walking over to him.

"Uh...what side do you want?" You ask.

"Oh," Gar's eyes widen while he looks behind him. Normally, he sleeps on the left side but this is you and he figures maybe you won't want the side closest to the door. "I'll take this side." Gar says from his seat on the right side.

You smile at him before walking to the other side of the bed and sitting down. "You would have a tiger print comforter." You chuckle softly and the blanket is really soft.

"I like tigers." Gar defends, spinning around and bringing his legs onto the bed.

"I still wanna see you turn into a tiger." You state, positioning the pillow behind you to a comfortable spot.

"I can ask Dick if I can show you tomorrow." Gar offers.

"Please!" You exclaim. "I bet it's fucking awesome."

Gar laughs. "Yeah, I think it's cool." Gar gets a little shy talking about it. He thought people would think he's a freak for it.

"It's cool that you turn into a green animal and my hands turn green when I do the acid thing." You show your palm to him, glowing green as you move your fingers.

Gar chuckles softly, watching the neon color fade. "Does it hurt?" He asks.

You shake your head. "No, just feels warm." You pause for a second and the acid thing feels....personal

It's your thing. This is one thing you can do that no one besides the people in the tower knows about. But, none of them know the extent or exactly how it works. The only one who even knows a sliver of it is Dick and that was an accident, both times. It just feels personal and you don't want to share it with anyone because it's yours. But then there's Gar and you do want to share it with him.

"Wanna feel?" You offer, your voice just above a whisper.

"You're not...gonna burn me are you?" He asks nervously.

"No." You shake your head.

"Okay." Gar nods, completely facing you, not sure how you plan to not burn him.

Your palm of your right hand starts glowing and you make a strong fist. You sit like that for just a few seconds before scooting closer to Gar. Your legs are crossed as you sit just an inch away from him and you place your fist against his chest, keeping your palm covered. Warmth spreads around your fist, right against his chest where his heart is. You can feel his heartbeat against your fingers and it's beating a million beats a second. You can't tell if it's because he's nervous about the possibility of being burned or entertained by the whole thing. But it's beating fast and so is yours. All Gar can feel is warmth, no burning or stinging. Just warm like a heating pad. He stares at you, amazed by it and he doesn't know how you even knew you could do that.

"How, uh, how did you know you could do that without burning me?" He asks as you pull your hand away, the green fading.

"My hands get cold so that's how I warm them up. I tried it on myself my first night here, it didn't burn." You explain but keeps your position. “But, if I use my palm, I can burn myself. A flaw for my palms to be the only exclusion from being burned but yeah.”

"That's pretty awesome." Gar smiles at you.

Your cheeks burn with his admiration. "Thank you." You pause for a second. "So," You lean back, laying down on the pillow and you can smell Gar on the pillow. You never realized how good he smells and it makes you smile. He smells like strawberries mixed with something nonspecific, not like toothpaste or vanilla or honey, but just warm. Like how home used to smell. Nothing specific, just warm. "Wanna tell me about your parents?" You ask.

There's s glint in Gar's eyes with the question. No one's asked about them. He gets it, of course, it's a bit of a sore subject for everyone. Rachel's mom wasn't even her real mom and her real mom basically traded her, and tried to kill Gar, for Trigon. Jason's parents are either dead, Dicks parents are dead. Everyone has parental issues here so he gets it. But...he always had a good relationship with his parents before they died and he misses them a lot. He wishes he could talk about them more but he always feels like it'll make everyone else sad for what they miss or what they could have had even for a short time while their parents were alive. But now you’re asking and a part of him feels ready to burst in a puddle of warm water.

"Uh, yeah." He smiles, leaning back on his elbow, facing you. "I don't know where to start." His smile is so big as he shakes his head, eyes darting up to pull from memory. "They were really cool ya know? Even then I thought that, I never told them though. But they were humanitarians and just wanted to help anyone that they could. They were big wildlife lovers, too. We lived on a reserve." Gar beams while you hang onto every word. "I guess that's where I get it from." Gar chuckles softly, looking back at you.

"I think you get a lot from them then." You give him a soft smile.

"Yeah, I guess." Gar shrugs, a little bit of sadness encompassing his heart. "They were strong, too. They, uh, they wouldn't stop caring for other people until they actually couldn't get out of bed anymore." Gar sucks in a breath, eyes widening as he remembers how bad it got towards the end. "They tried to protect me from it, they always looked out for me and made sure I was okay. I know they felt guilty for not being able to protect me from whatever the hell that disease was."

"But you were saved." You assure him. "I'm sure that's a relief, wherever they are."

"Yeah," Gar nods. "Um..." He shakes his head. "My dad was a pilot." Gar doesn’t want to talk about the sadness of it all. It hurts a little too much.

"A pilot?" You ask, gaining an enthusiastic smile.

"Yeah!" Gar explains, the happiness coming back into his smile before he leans over you, partially crushing you as he grabs something from the other nightstand. "Sorry." Gar apologizes bashfully. "This is them." He hands you a framed picture of a younger Gar and his parents in front of a plane. Gar isn't much younger but younger nonetheless and he looks just like both of his parents. Even now with the green hair. He has his mom's eyes and his dad's smile.

You smile at the picture, feeling the burning in the back of your eyes at the thought of your own mom. "You guys were such a cute family." You say, holding the picture tightly. "Your mom was so fucking pretty."

"Thanks." Gar watches you look over the picture and he doesn't share it much. He doesn't hide it, it's out on display for everyone to see but no one ever asks and Gar doesn't tell. But talking about them, like they were in the next room, makes Gar feels close to them again. In a way, it hurts a lot more than he thought it would but in a different way, it makes him so happy because he loved his parents and he wants to talk about the good parts of them. "Mom was a cook in Congo. That's what she did."

"No shit." You say, still holding the picture. "That's really cool."

"Yeah, she loved helping people."

"Mm." You hum. "Sounds familiar." You give Gar a joking smile.

Gar chuckles softly. "Maybe I take after her a little more."

"What about the video games? Did they get you into them?" You ask as you hand the picture, gently, back to Gar.

"Kind of, I think." His brows furrow. "We didn't play much but sometimes, my dad would play with me. But it really wasn't until I went to Doom Manor that I got into it. I wasn't allowed to leave."

"Ahh," You nod with understanding. "Escapism."

"Basically." Gar's smile falls. "But yeah," He sucks in a breath, forcing s smile back onto his face. "They were really great. I don't get to talk about them much."

"You can tell me about them whenever you want. I like hearing about them." Your smile is small but genuine.

"Really?"

"Of course." Your smile grows with your words.

"Okay, how about your mom?" Gar asks.

"Well," You clear your throat, finding the strength to talk about her. You realize, you haven't talked about your mom since she died. Not in detail, or about anything that didn't have to do with her death. Avoidance is clearly your thing. "She was, weirdly enough, a wildlife vet for the zoo in Gotham." You laugh softly.

"That's awesome!" Gar yells.

"Yeah, it was cool because sometimes I got to go when an animal was about to give birth cause they had the cameras and everything. I watched a zebra give birth once and that was so fucking gross but awesome. Then, I got to pet it like a week later when the mom was more comfortable with people being around the baby. I didn't get to do it often because I mean, wild animals, but every once in a while I got to. My mom always taught me about the different animals." You ramble the words quickly, happiness seeping into every word.

"Ya know, that's cool, right? Like hanging out with a baby zebra? Having your own version of Steve Irwin."

"You would be a Steve Irwin fan." You chuckle. "I mean same." You say quickly. "But yeah, no it was really cool."

"What else?" Gar asks.

"She was kind and funny. I didn't take after her very much in the kind department sometimes but she always was. To everyone, even if they sucked. She always said that everyone deserves kindness."

"She's right." Gar chuckles.

"Mmmm." You hum, scrunching your nose in disagreement. "Not everyone. That's too idealistic."

"Yeah, maybe, but most people at least deserve it." Gar says. "What else?"

"Uh...." You stutter trying to think of more. "She was....incredible, ya know?" You shake your head, scrunching your nose as if trying to find the right words. "I mean, she was...strong. I think I only saw her cry once and uh, it was when my dad showed up. I was 10 and had never met him before, never even saw him. No pictures or anything. He came by and my mom checked the window before rushing me off to my room. I snuck back out of course and hid around the corner while she opened the door. He was high as a fucking kite and just yelling at her. Saying some cruel ass shit and bringing me into it and she just stood there. She was a lot shorter than him but she never hesitated. Nothing, not a whimper or anything, she blocked him from entering the house, threatened him without a waver in her voice and he left. She cried after, of course but I remember that day so vividly because I think that was the day I realized she was my hero, ya know? Everyone thinks Batman and Superman are cool. Batman has cool gadgets and Superman has all of these superpowers but my mom? She stood up to some piece of shit addict who could have killed her on the spot. She did everything in her power to always protect me, no matter what. She was my hero."

Gar offers you a soft smile, his eyes just as soft and warm. "She sounds amazing." His voice is soft and it makes you want to melt right into him.

"She was." You try to hold back tears. "I wish I could tell her about you. She would've liked you."

Gar is hesitant but he moves his hand over yours, lightly rubbing his thumb over the top of your hand. "My parents would have liked you, too." His voice is sad and soft.

You move your hand out from under Gar’s but only to grab your phone from your hoodie pocket. You go onto the Instagram app that you already downloaded. You don't give a single fuck what anyone is actually up to or posting about anymore. Not when your life has been so shitty lately. It's all fake bullshit anyway. But, you do have pictures on your Instagram that you want. You scroll down two rows to find a picture of you and your mom.

"That's us." You hand Gar your phone and a smile comes to his face.

"You look just like her." Gar beams.

"Thank you." Your voice is shy as Gar moves to lie on his back, still holding your phone.

"Can I...scroll?" Gar asks and you roll your eyes and smiles at him, scooting closer to him.

"Sure, but don't make fun of anything." You state, resting your head on his shoulder. Gar repositions, bringing his arm around you while he holds the phone in the other hand so you can both look.

Gar scrolls to the top where he sees a picture of the movie tickets for Get Out. Gar puts the pieces together and realizes this was the last movie you saw in theaters, the last time your life was normal. It was the night your mom died. But he scrolls past it, choosing not to ask anything about it. The next few down were just some pictures of textbooks, some of Gotham covered in fog, a picture of graffiti with an unhelpful caption on if it was yours or not. He passes the picture of you and your mom and get to a picture of you and another girl with dark hair, covered in paint.

"Who’s this?" Gar asks.

"She was my best friend. We had a paint war at her house." You smile at the picture.

You miss her, a lot but you won't reach out. How are you supposed to explain that you didn't reach out because you were held captive and tortured? How are you supposed to explain that you ran away from the last people that cared about you because you were scared of ruining their lives? That's too much and it's too big of a reminder of your old life. You aren't that person anymore and you don't think you ever will be, reaching out to her would be a sick and cruel reminder of that.

"Have you talked to her since you've been back?" Gar asks and he feels you shake your head. He looks down at you and he wishes you would. You have them now and that won't change, but that was a huge part of your life. You deserve to have it back. "Why not?"

"Too hard." You say simply. "I think I will one day but not now, not for a while."

"Okay." Gar sucks in a breath. "You know, you deserve to have parts of your old life back. When you're ready, of course." Gar clarifies.

"Thank you, Gar." You snuggle in closer to him and Gar pulls you closer. "You deserve to be happy." You sigh against him and the comment catches Gar off guard but he knows why you said it. The overcaring part of him seems to overcompensate. He squeezes you against him, rubbing your arm gently.

After only a few minutes, you fall asleep with your arm around Gar's torso and your head on his chest. Gar doesn't even notice at first, he's pretty invested in your Instagram, seeing who you were before everything, what you look like without the bruising. What your interests are. Sure, you played up social media like most people do, but none of it was overly fake. You really does love the movies, shows, and music your posted. But your Instagram neglected any sign of negativity. Nothing about your dad or even a bad grade on a test. It's nice for Gar because he only knows you as someone who oozes trauma and heartbreak and sadness. Seeing who you present to the world before, warms Gar's heart because he knows you'll get at least some of that back one day.

When Gar does notice you’ve fallen asleep, a soft smile pulls at his lips. He exits the app and locks your phone, bending awkwardly to put it on his nightstand on his side. He hasn't known you long but he finds himself wanting more moments like these as he carefully wraps his other arm around your waist. He wants more moments where you can talk about your families before the trauma happened. You have a lot going on but you make him happy, make him feel comfortable. In a way, you kind of remind him of what home used to feel like. He can't put his finger on why, but that's what you remind him of. Maybe it's because, while you’re secretive and guarded, you’re also completely yourself in all your sarcastic glory. You just make him feel happy so he cuddles up with you and finds himself falling asleep within minutes.

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[macgyvertape]

Castlevania Nocturn s1 thoughts/liveblog

This season more like Castlevania: colonialism, and power structures that support it

For a Symphony of the Night adaptation the inclusion of symphonic and operatic music was fantastic, especially the attention to the times the music was diegetic vs nondiegetic

Really enjoyed how many outfit changes characters got, I really want some meta about the Emissary's costume changes because she has a wide range of outfits from modern to 2 different historical ones.

Favorite plotline: the whole Orlox/Mizrak relationship and both characters (it probably seems obvious based on what I focused on), least favorite plotline Richter gets his mojo/magic back based on processing grief aka vibes

Felt much more like a coming of age story line for the protagonists, and (without checking a timeline) them a few years younger than the series 1 Trevor/Sypha /Alucard

This show really balanced well the introduction of the cosmic threat (cat goddess filling Dracula’s place) vs local threat (Emissary here vs leader night creature s1 of main show) in a way I haven't seen since s1 of the original show

more liveblog notes below cut

I knew going in Olrox was gay, a fan favorite favorite of blogs I check, and had gifs portraying him sympathetically. Funny how that probably influenced my initial impression of the opening

Lmao of course the abbey is on the evil vampire side considering I saw gifs beforehand of one of the guys with Olrox. (edit: funny that Olrox isn’t with the main vampire group at that time in the season, so I was right about the alliance for the wrong reason) 

I like how the Emissary's clothing is so modern I can't tell if she's wearing hoof heels or has cloven feet

Edouard’s singing sounded super awkward without musical backing, sure the fact its Dido's lament is foreshadowing. 

Edouard has a tailcoat, I didn’t expect to see it during this time period considering this is before the Regency. Olrox is wearing a frock coat, that’s older style?

Oooh wish they had done the fight to Vivaldi’s summer presto instead and made it nondiegetic music vs generic action music

Devil forgemaster automation!? Note to self check when first steam engine is and the Victorian times which is when I usually thing steam/magic punk

Also lmao Olrox gets the last word again

Ok so they have the French aristocrat vampires doubling as confederate vampires with the explicit colonialism slavery

Do we get more evil lesbian vampries with a take over the world plan?

I’m glad night creatures are a thing here too, its such fun monster designs

Real inversion of Castlevania’s Isaac having forge mastering be freedom from slavery and here it be a process used by the institution of the church as a method of slavery

How does “we need a plan” mean “children with no experience of the world and no experience of the hard choices adults make” in Annette’s response and not have a response because the subject changes??? Like Richter has a point about snapshot moral decisions, 2 or 4 doesn’t have experience so they should really work out any difference of opinion

Oh no the last alive mother figure keeps being helpful that’s a death flag 

Damn lol Olrox and abbey sword guy were dtf Grindr quick. Ass shot!! lmao having that final conversation about demons and Olrox is doing it leaning back, legs spread, dick out 

Can’t wait to see how it goes paying that price, what demon and Olrox’s seemingly invested question “will you [pay the price]” edit: season 1 seems to have ended demon consequence free

The world building this season seems so much richer and broader than the previous Castlevania series, all these different types of demons, magic users, gods, and spirits

Nick pick note: ok the waterproofing can’t be good enough for water to not flow down the staircase into the cellars and give away the secret passage. ask me how I know water loves to travel into basements

I'm enjoying the Emissary's ahistorical fashion in modern club/bdsm gear. Holy shit the “all about sex with you priests, every orifice I have has teeth” holy shit vagina dentata. I literally had to rewind to make sure I heard that correctly 

When Maria’s mother was pushing the stone and talking about being there for people she loves I was thinking “wow considering the hair colors for Maria it  would be funny if the Abbot was her father because it would explain why Maria’s mother, a speaker, would be so defensive of him. But surely they won’t be that tropey predictable” then as soon as the eyes met I was like LMAO

Interesting that Olrox chose then to step in vs letting Mizrak fight Belmont, since maybe he’d be better off letting the Emissary get killed

Love vampires talking with vampires about being an immortal being trapped in the shadows as they power play each other 

“You’re the one with the brand on your forehead” this was such a metal af scene burning the slaver vampire in a cage of crosses. Especially the extremely distorted fisheye focus on the symbol that distort’s the vampries face even creepier 

Oh that’s a good shot of Maria being visually isolated in the black of the Abotts’s cloak when she learns he’s her father, with a bit of visual exaggeration.  The selected impressionism animation in this series is great

The Emissary is now in her second period style outfit (red militaryish tailcoat) the first being the black outfit worn for the funeral/graveyard that looked a lot more rococo aristocratic 

Wait wat, so the vampire messiah look like a white woman with red hair wearing double side petticoats in the European aristocrat style, who has a Russian name and was living in snowy Russia, but she’s talking like she is Sekhmet despite having no Egyptian characteristics at all. Like she looks nothing like the Emissary who is Egyptian. What’s up with that?

Grandpa Belmont is somehow beating “I attacked my son and devastated a country Dracula” in worst hurting a family member reaction to grief IMO

Lacrimosa is GOATed really just best choice to include for this moment especially how they did it with nondiegetic string accompaniment in Edouard’s PoV but that cuts out with the shift to Mizrak/Olrox PoV

“I love everything about adding tension to the relationship and denial of feelings with: "is [turning me into a vampire without permission] what you had planned for me" “Of course not… I’m not in love with you”

Fucking gun axe, and did the vampires just sit around listening to the family drama to know so much 

Nooo don’t hang a lampshade on an ending line be “witty, cunning, and brutal” then say “fuck it” which fits the standard 

Power play the Messiah calling Olrox a dragon when he turned into a Quetzalcoatl in ep1, and then doing a show of force to force him from an insincere bow into a deep on. You can tell he’s fucking pissed off

“Just read the fucking book” and Orlox gets the last word again lmao

Lmao the very on the nose bible verse lines “lift up thy feat” when the birds lift Maria up, the line about slipping after she nearly slips. Wonder what was done first; picking the psalm (Psalms 73:2-5) or the animation direction?

So I thought the vampire messiah was supposed to be an a fraud in identity, but damn she can control the moon. Or was Selhmet not a delusion but a actual magic being waiting to possess her and take over, as seen by the physical transformation to part cat?

I guess Orlox does care enough for Mizrak to get involved awww

Ah the establishing shot visible proof of the limit to the eclipse which doesn’t even cover all of France 

Love the angst breakup, Orlox/Mizrak favorite ship in the whole show

It felt obvious the mother figure character wouldn’t last the whole season but I wasn’t expecting her to be turned

Word Effect where The Emissary is built up as a power threat the whole season then she’s 1 hit KO to show Alucard’s power 

[grimmcheems]

Are you still doing that Black Goku and Chichi fic?

Yes lmao. I’m just super busy🗿it’s more like a future! Timeline where Chichi survives. If you’re talking about a specific ship fic of the two then no oop🧍🏽‍♀️the fic I’m currently writing will most likely only be a couple chapters(think maybe about three?, its more so going to branch off the original Future!Chichi fic I have in mind). It won’t really have Goku Black/Chichi as the main focus, but it is mentioned. It will however have some of his POV about the situation (him having to navigate Goku’s memories and nearly straying from his initial plan of eradicating everyone)so idk if you might like that lol. Its more like his body remembers her presence but his consciousness doesn’t since he isn’t the real Goku?!? Does that make sense? I might make an extended version or extra of just the two having interactions if that’s more your cup of tea…I will have it posted on my writing account on here! I’ll link it when i do finally finish it and you can check it out then. Sorry for the paragraph of clarification lmao. 💖

[birdsinmywalls]

The way I literally could not wait to read this omg!!This was a great addition. I loved the way they slowly built things up and how Eddie had to constantly check himself to act normal like he didn’t know her. I was crossing my fingers the whole time hoping he wouldn’t mess it up by getting too excited.

“one that had everyone in uproarious laughter--more laughter than people, it seemed” oo is she a little self aware in this show!

“Hey!" you called out to the Mayfields with your voice, your your voice and not Rosemary Glass's voice. Your real voice. Yours.” AH! So exciting!

“Play it cool, Munson. Don't pass out. Don't fuck this up.” GO GET HER MUNSON

“She got to have her adventure," he said to himself in awe, happy that...” what a cool thing to notice! Also I like this idea that she got her adventure and is ending up in different worlds or something while she travels. What other places/fandoms has she been too so far?

“It’s nothing bad but, uh, I’ll tell you when you’re older Wayne.” 😂

“that confidence, however, fled his body as he felt the urge to hop around, giggle, and say "I know" I’m so hoping he doesn’t blow it

“However, as you spoke so excitedly and confidently and he saw you bloom in front of his very eyes, he wondered if it was just a byproduct of being overlooked whenever Sam took the spotlight with her grand speeches, big emotions, and too-bright personality.” That makes sense even though sam was the main character when you have a loud friend like that being overlooked tends to happen

"Hmm," you rested your chin on your knees and sighed. "You know what? I kinda hope so too” it’s going well!

“Eddie tried to do the mental math but he couldn't figure out how many times you must have circled the states to hit that many miles. Or for how long” I love the implications you are dropping this chapter!

“He glanced your way slyly, hoping to maybe get some excited response about your friends back home, but you hummed noncommittally and turned your attention to the radio instead.” It would be interesting if she has really been driving for millions of miles to different timelines and stuff if she doesn’t really remember what her real home was like and that’s why she can’t talk about it. Like a side character becoming a main character maybe she literally can’t fit in that universe anymore

“on the house if it'll prevent a food fight," before he retreated back to the kitchen.” Benny is a hater lol

"It can be a date if you want it to be. I had a lot of fun today, so I, uh, think that would be pretty great actually” WOO!

Stranger Than (Fan)Fiction - Chapter 1: Alternate Universe

Previous Chapter: Prologue: Crossover

Summary: Your unexpected arrival in Hawkins brings many questions for Eddie...but he knows better than to ask dumb questions.

Word Count: 5.1k

Pairing: Eddie Munson/Fem!Reader

Warnings/Themes: No-Upside-Down AU, Fluff, Love at First Sight?, Tiny Angst if you Squint, Isekai, Mentions of FOI-compliant events and characters, Lovesick Eddie, unbelievable pacing...just roll with it, Everything's Coming Up Munson

Note: Thanks to everyone who read the prologue.

You can find my masterlist here.

Please do not interact if you are not 18+.

Enjoy!

It seemed like everyone was there to say goodbye.

Your parents, Sam, Pat, Bonnie, all of your friends and their families. Everyone you know.

What a surprise.

You thought it was gonna be a quick morning getaway.

You'd already had dinner at Danny's last night with your parents and had seen countless faces—familiar and unfamiliar—who'd wished you well. This morning was just supposed to be about bags placed in the trunk, last minute hugs and tears from your mom, and then off you'd go.

You hadn't expected this.

Some little voice inside of you questioned why you hadn't; you'd known them all for practically your whole life.

5 years.

What...no...18 years.

Why wouldn't they want to be here as you embarked on your big journey away?

Sam gave a tearful speech. Your dad made some corny joke that only a dad could, one that had everyone in uproarious laughter--more laughter than people, it seemed--and then it was time to go.

You didn't have a real schedule, of course, you just wanted to make it to your destination with ample time. Nothing like driving into an unfamiliar town in the middle of the night only to find yourself in a heap of trouble.

Pat, ever observant, was the one to notice the anxiety etched on your face. He was as much your best friend as Sam was, maybe even more than she was; you'd known each other since Kindergarten, sat next to each other in the reading circle, of course he could tell you were itching to leave.

"Alright guys," he announced, clapping his hands twice the way a star quarterback would. "I'm sure she's ready to get away from all of us."

"Yeah," Sam let out a watery laugh. "You need to go so you can come back as soon as possible. Wink wink." She flashed her hand with the little diamond chip engagement ring that you helped Pat pick out, and then she collapsed against you in a hug.

"You go and you have the best time," she whispered in your ear. You nodded and buried your face in her hair. "I can't wait to hear all about it. Write letters home? Call? But don't worry about us, we'll all be safe here. Ok?"

"Yeah," you said breathlessly.

Then the next thing you knew, in the blink of an eye, you were in the driver's seat of your car, rolling towards the end of the block. You adjusted your rearview mirror and saw everyone you loved waving goodbye to you. You rolled down your window, and blew them a kiss and sent a wave; you'd miss them so much. You'd be back soon enough though; now it was time for you to just be free.

“Go back?” you quoted one Mr. Bilbo Baggins to yourself as you turned the corner and left everything you knew behind. “Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!”

This was it.

Eddie was dead.

That had to be the explanation.

Your car was one thing, and he could excuse it. He could convince himself it was anything else.

But you? His favorite character from his favorite television show. Someone who was absolutely, definitely fictional.

It was impossible.

"Hey!" you called out to the Mayfields with your voice, your your voice and not Rosemary Glass's voice. Your real voice. Yours.

Eddie pinched himself pretty unforgivingly—one last ditch effort to prove this was a dream—and winced.

Not dreaming. Definitely dead.

You quickly shut the door and crossed the distance towards Susan and Max.

"I'm sorry, it's late and it's cold; I've been driving all over and the road got icy, I must have lost traction. Need new tires maybe."

"Too bad," Susan snapped at you. "You hit my car, I'm calling the sheriff."

The two of you went back and forth for a second as you tried to get her not to call the cops and she stood her ground.

"I can pay for it!" You exclaimed suddenly and Susan froze in her spot. "And then some, for...I dunno, emotional distress I guess. I know it's late. I'm sure I woke you guys up. I'm just...I'm sorry."

You looked around self consciously all of a sudden, and Eddie could hear the faint murmur as you said something under your breath. He froze as your gaze slid over him, paused, and then kept going.

Play it cool, Munson. Don't pass out. Don't fuck this up.

It was hard when the love of his life was standing right there, in the flesh, and had just looked at him.

As Susan and Max met you in the middle of the yard to talk details, Eddie gave himself the pep talk of the century.

Even if he was dead and this was some sort of afterlife, surely the fates had certainly set this up for him. Some being of greater conscience than he--a mere human--could possibly comprehend was giving him this chance at...love? Happiness? It would be a good reward after an unremarkable end to a shitty life.

Or maybe he was still alive and had actually sold his soul to the devil back inside and this was the payoff.

"I'll fucking take it," he muttered to himself and fished another cigarette from the pack with shaky hands; he was gonna need it if he was gonna survive the night.

He watched the interaction between you and Susan with a keen eye, eager to witness the little gestures and mannerisms that he'd only seen on screen. Once it seemed Susan was happy with whatever deal you'd negotiated, you pulled a scrap of paper from the back pocket of your jeans and gesture vaguely around. Max was the one to snatch it from your hand and then point to a dark trailer that sat kitty corner from Granny's.

Were you gonna be his neighbor? This was just getting better and better.

"Thanks," you smiled and, even from this distance, Eddie's heart stopped.

If he was barely hanging on thanks to your presence, how was he gonna survive your smile? Especially if it was inevitably directed at him.

"Pull it together," he grumbled and took a long drag from his cigarette, the cherry flaring extra bright in the darkness of night.

The Mayfields retreated into their home and you shuffled back over to your car, feet kicking the gravel.

You were about to get back in when Eddie abruptly jumped to his feet.

"Hey!" He called out to you. "Uh...I...know my way around cars, I can take a look at it in the morning. I-if you want. Bang out any dents."

"Can you?" you scrunched your nose in the way that made his knees shake. God he was pathetic. "That'd be nice, thanks."

"Yeah no problem," he smiled the friendliest and most welcoming smile he could.

His thoughts raced at lightspeed now, a mixture of logic and hope. No matter the circumstance, you were here because of him, which meant that this was his shot. So, he would fix your car--or at least try to--figure out if you were some sort of demon or something, and then ask you out.

Easy.

And hopefully you'd say yes. Hopefully. Eddie was gonna be optimistic, but not an idiot. He had to stay humble.

As you maneuvered your car the short distance to the dark trailer, Eddie watched. And in the glow of your taillights, he noticed the abundance of bumper stickers that adorned the trunk. Stickers that weren’t there in the finale, which meant…

"She got to have her adventure," he said to himself in awe, happy that...at least in the few months since you left Port Geneva, you might’ve gotten to experience the world just like you wanted to.

He couldn't wait to ask you all about it. He couldn't wait to find out everything.

The morning took way too long to arrive.

Eddie tried to sleep but he was too wired, too excited.

He already decided that he was gonna skip class the next day. Or maybe roll in late if you had someplace you needed to be and he wouldn't get to show you around town or something else totally not lame.

That’s what he was banking on, though. If you had no plans, he could take you to Benny’s and get you a short stack with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, just like you got at Danny’s Diner back home.

“Alright,” he stared at himself in the mirror as he stepped out of the shower. “See? You can’t do that kind of shit. Can’t scare her away by making her think you know her already. That’s creepy. Gotta act like we don't know her. Easy.”

Not that easy, actually.

He was just...bubbling with thoughts and feelings. Enough that they caused his brain to go into meltdown.

At first, he tried to rationalize it all, tried to come up with some solution. Because somehow, for reasons to be determined at a later time, you left the confines of Port Geneva’s universe and made it to this one, where you were actually definitely real.

Right? You couldn't be a hallucination if the Mayfields had talked to you too. In fact, they talked to you first. So if anything, you were their hallucination.

Eddie tried to recall something that Henderson and Sinclair had babbled on about at lunch the other day: some new issue of the Flash comics. Crisis on Infinite Universes or something where people jumped to different timelines. Whatever that meant. If he had the time, he knew he should ask them a few questions about different universes and how this might all be possible.

Purely hypothetical, spin it as some idea for a campaign.

But why would he wait and let a good thing pass him up just because this was weird and he had questions?

Best case scenario, no one beside him would realize that you were a tv character, they would just think your name was familiar or something.

Worst case scenario they accuse him of witchcraft and bringing you into this dimension or something because there was no way you were real.

It would all work itself out in the end. He just had to be uncharacteristically optimistic and keep his eyes on the prize.

Come morning, Wayne got home from work and he walked in the door just as Eddie had changed clothes for the fifth time, made coffee AND breakfast for him, and washed the dishes.

“Well isn’t this a surprise,” he remarked and stared at the scene in front of him. “Do I wanna know what you did?”

“You remember when I was younger,” Eddie began as he fiddled with his rings. “And I asked you…I dunno…something about the birds and the bees and you said ‘I’ll tell you when you’re older kid?’”

“Hmm,” Wayne crossed his arms over his chest and ran a hand over his mouth. “Go on.”

“It’s nothing bad but, uh, I’ll tell you when you’re older Wayne.”

His uncle cracked a fond smile, gave him a pat on the shoulder, and then shuffled down to the bathroom.

Eddie sighed in relief and took a sip of his coffee while he looked out the window towards your trailer. It was daytime now; he didn’t expect to see lights on or anything, but he knew you got in late and didn’t want to interrupt your sleep. Not a great first impression.

Before long, though, he’d just gotten too antsy to wait anymore. He practically sprinted—damn when was he gonna learn that he shouldn’t skip gym so much—across the park to your door, Wayne's meager toolbox from under the sink swinging from his hand.

He paused the slightest bit to admire your car--

How many hours of screen time had been spent in this exact car as you drove Sam and the gang around for various shenanigans. There was one episode, a favorite of his, where everyone was belting out a tune from the radio and you sat there in the driver's seat...too shy to open your mouth. When they finally coerced you? You had the worst singing voice...but you smiled so brightly...that was the moment he knew he loved you...

--and, more importantly, the stickers that adorned it.

There were some normal ones: funny phrases, a few band stickers he wouldn’t have expected you to listen to, and a single borderline political one. A sticker that specifically caught his eye said “Greetings from Erebor” with a sword that had to be Orcrist and dwarvish runes below it.

You were a girl after his own heart; fortunately, it already belonged to you.

Then there were the ones you’d obviously picked up on your travels. He took an extra moment to look at them and think of some questions he could ask. A favorite place you visited, something crazy you might have eaten, or even some fun facts about...Monument Valley, Ocala National Forest, Mystic Falls Virginia, or…Cicely Alaska?

“Damn,” he let out a low whistle. “Must've put some miles on this thing.”

Having spent enough time just standing there, Eddie finally climbed the stairs and knocked on your door; the walls were thin enough that he could hear you shuffling around inside and he was relieved that he hadn’t woken you.

The door swung open--Eddie swore he heard the applause track from Port Geneva play in his head--and then there you were.

It was a moment he would cherish in his heart for the rest of his days. You, standing there, smiling that sweet, unsure smile at him with slightly tired but nevertheless bright eyes. Your clothes were askew from sleep or aforementioned shuffling and you straightened them out a little when you realized what you might look like.

“Cigarette porch guy,” you pointed a finger at him in recollection after a moment.

Now was the time, though, to muster up every ounce of Munson Magic that he could. He collected it deep in the core of him and then let it mingle with affection in his heart.

"Cigarette porch guy is my father. You can just call me Eddie."

You snorted a laugh and he beamed confidently; that confidence, however, fled his body as he felt the urge to hop around, giggle, and say "I know" when you introduced yourself. He needed to not screw this up by being a hyper mega-fan.

“I was so tired when I got in, I honestly thought you were a figment of my imagination,” you explained. "I woke up at like...4am trying to figure out if you were real or not."

Funny. He was trying to figure out the same thing.

Still, his heart skipped a beat to know you'd thought about him in any capacity after the few words you'd shared.

“Ouch,” he laid a hand on his chest and feigned a stumble. “I know it was late but I would hope I made a bit of a better impression than that.”

You pressed your lips together, scrunched your nose, and looked down at your feet.

“I’m, uh,” Eddie thumbed over his shoulder. “Here to take a look at your car.”

“Oh!” Your head snapped right back up. “Right! Yes, oh my god thank you. Let me just…get my keys and my shoes hang on.”

You retreated back into the trailer and Eddie, nosy as he was, peeked inside after you. Wayne would be ashamed of him, but he couldn't exactly care right now.

Your trailer mirrored other ones in the park, in terms of layout: a living room, a little kitchen, a hall that probably led to a bedroom. There was furniture though, which was not the norm.

A green armchair and a very well-worn blue plaid sofa that was home to a granny-square quilt, a too-soft pillow, and a very fancy canvas bedroll that Eddie assumed must have belonged to you. There was a dusty coffee table stacked with dustier magazines and newspapers and some very questionable looking mugs and plates of what used to be food. Yuck. A green bicycle with one tire was hung vertically on the wall beside the couch. And a little dining set off the kitchen looked like something straight out of the Brady Bunch.

He tried to remember who lived here before you did with such weird taste in furniture. Even more peculiar, where they might have gone for them to leave all of it behind. Especially the plates. No one came to mind though; he'd have to ask Wayne.

You shuffled down the hall--presumably from the bathroom since you'd slept out on the couch--and hopped as you tugged your sneakers on.

You jingled your keys at him excitedly.

"Here we go," you exclaimed. He held his hand out to take them and you were about to drop them in his palm when you hesitated. "I hope I'm not putting you out."

"Of course not," he reassured you and then backed out of the doorway. "It's my pleasure."

You listened aptly as he touted his excellent mechanic skills--

"You, uh...might hear my van rumble a little bit though. Haven't quite figured out why it's making that sound yet."

--and then you sat on the porch steps to watch him as he got to work.

The two of you talked as he inspected your car.

You were surprisingly very good at making conversation. Eddie always believed that you were a little soft spoken or a little shy, watching you on tv. However, as you spoke so excitedly and confidently and he saw you bloom in front of his very eyes, he wondered if it was just a byproduct of being overlooked whenever Sam took the spotlight with her grand speeches, big emotions, and too-bright personality.

He was suddenly excited at the prospect of seeing the real you and learning a lot more that wasn't shown on TV. In return, he could show you the real him too. Hell, he was always trying to be the real him...there were just some things though...

What an odd idea that hadn't really hit him until now. The desire to have you in his life to share things with, and the reality of having you here. He'd never thought of a relationship with a future before, hell hadn't even thought of his future really. Not even with Paige and the whole rockstar pipe dream, as short-lived as that was.

But the more he thought of that with you, the more he liked it. Desired it.

You started the conversation off by asking him about Hawkins and if he'd lived here for long. He gave probably the most unbiased opinion that he could as he hammered out the dents from your collision: it was a sleepy suburb where nothing ever happened and everyone was judgmental and opinionated and hated everyone who disturbed the status quo.

“Aren’t they all like that?” You asked, one eye sliding shut in a mischievous wink as you raised both brows in question.

“Yeah, I’m sure they are.”

Then he asked you about how you ended up in Hawkins, of all the places you could have picked, as he taped up the headlight that you'd cracked.

"It was fate or something. Had to bring me here so I could meet you right?" He sputtered over a response to that and you just laughed. "Actually, I just picked a place on a map. Pick two places. Flip a coin. That's how I pick most places I’ve been, you know?"

You took the opportunity to spin a tale about the so-called "perpetual roadtrip" that you'd embarked for the past year. His heart soared to hear that you’d been “practically everywhere” and he nodded eagerly when you offered to show him your sketchbook sometime with drawings of your favorite places.

"I know I need to go home at some point," you explained with a dismissive wave of your hand. "I guess I just don't know how to...stop driving. I've started this thing recently where I settle down somewhere for a little while. Maybe a few weeks? Maybe more. Get a job, get to know the people. Then I get to like...the final page of that chapter--the end of my little story in that place--and it's time for me to move on again.

"Actually, I guess it's not moving onto the next chapter; it's more like I've been written into a corner. I just...don't know what it is that I'm looking for. What it is that I need."

Eddie snorted to himself.

How many times had he asked himself what deity wrote his story into a pathetic corner where he couldn't leave Hawkins? And here you were feeling the same, only you were stuck in another way.

"Well...I hope you don't move on from Hawkins too quickly," he said, full of naive hope. "Maybe you'll find what you need here."

"Hmm," you rested your chin on your knees and sighed. "You know what? I kinda hope so too."

There was a lot of weight in your gaze as you watched him, and Eddie cleared his throat awkwardly and continued his inspection of the outside of the car so he wouldn’t make a fool out of himself with a mushy smile or a giggle.

He made his way back to the trunk and the bumper stickers; it was then that he asked about Cicely.

"Alaska? Seriously? You drove all the way up there?"

"Ok listen," you said with a conspiratorial grin. "I'm maybe a little bit of a phony. I traded someone for that one. This guy in a diner in Washington."

"Oh yeah?"

"Mmhmm. Damn fine cup of coffee." You snorted to yourself, some inside joke that he wished to be a part of.

"Is that, uh...a perpetual roadtrip thing?"

"I…I guess it is."

Finally, to end his self-proclaimed "ten-point inspection," Eddie got into the driver's seat to start the car, chatting all the while.

"Well, if you want a damn fine cup of coffee, there's this diner nearby that I swear makes the best. I know I haven't driven past Chicago or anything but..."

He trailed off as he turned the key in the ignition and noticed the odometer.

Your miles were in the millions.

Several million, at that.

He had half a mind to call you on your shit that you'd never been to Alaska because, surely, you had to have been with that high a number, but then he began to question the sight. He didn't think his odometer even went that high; none of the cars he'd ever seen went into the millions.

Was it just a Volkswagen thing? Or maybe a bi-product of you being here? A wrinkle in the fabric of reality?

Eddie tried to do the mental math but he couldn't figure out how many times you must have circled the states to hit that many miles. Or for how long.

A million miles divided by 365 days divided by 12 hours of driving in a day? He couldn’t do that much math without his head hurting. Still, it just didn't make sense. Maybe it was just broken?

"Everything alright?" you suddenly appeared at the door, teeth worrying your lower lip. You laughed but it didn’t quite meet your eyes. "You were just saying something about coffee and then you got all quiet. I don't need a new transmission or something do I?"

“You…” Eddie swallowed and stared at you, wondering if he should point out the odometer, if he should ask. Bur hadn't that been his problem just a few hours ago? Too many questions, too little time. Why was he going to pick this wonderful thing apart when he finally got what he deserved and yearned for all along.

“You...probably need an oil change,” he announced instead. “It sounds a little clunky. I, uh, can do it for you but I’ll need to stop by Thatcher Tires for some supplies.”

Your shoulders lost their tension and you let out a sigh of relief.

“Eddie, you’re seriously trying to be my hero, huh?” You fawned; hearing his name from your lips, let alone the fact you called him a hero, made his day. His year. Possibly his entire life. “You wanna fix everything else that’s wrong with my life?”

“I could try,” he offered eagerly.

“Don’t, I’ll seriously take you up on the offer.” You pressed your hands to your cheeks then looked back at the trailer. “Ok tell you what, give me like…20 minutes to get the road off of me and change. Then we can go to Thatcher Tires and you can show me this place with the best cup of coffee? And I can get you breakfast or something?”

Eddie was speechless again; were you…asking him out? Ok no you were just showing your gratitude, but it was a first step. Was everything going according to plan for the first time in his life?

He couldn’t count everything that happened in ‘84 for obvious reasons.

You noticed his hesitation and your eyes went wide.

“Unless you had other plans or someplace to be? I’ve already taken up enough of your time—“

“No!” He shouted and then backtracked to be a little softer. “I…no, there’s nothing else I have to do today. I’m…I’m all yours sweetheart.”

The rest of the day went by without a hitch.

And it truly was the rest of the day that you spent together.

It was almost too good to be true.

Eddie acted as chauffeur and self-proclaimed tour guide of Hawkins. He pointed out specific landmarks you'd need to know as he passed them: the town center, the grocery store, the post office.

"In case you want to send letters home or anything." He glanced your way slyly, hoping to maybe get some excited response about your friends back home, but you hummed noncommittally and turned your attention to the radio instead.

The rest of the ride to Benny's was spent swatting at each other's hands and bickering as you discussed music. When he mentioned that he had a band, you were awestruck, and Eddie's chest puffed with pride.

"Ok," you nodded appreciatively. "I see it now. The whole alt. metal wannabe rockstar thing. It suits you."

"You're gonna take back the whole wannabe rockstar thing when I write a song about you and it's a chart-topper," he teased.

"What's it gonna be about? My loser neighbor crashed her car, she held me hostage at the...dine-ar." You winced at the bad rhyme, but Eddie thought it was adorable. "Obviously I'm no Shakespeare. Please don't consider that my interview to be your songwriter."

You'd surprised Eddie by ordering an omelet instead of your usual, so Eddie, quick on his feet, ordered your usual instead and surprised you.

"Are you a mind reader? I always get that," you confessed. "I was just so tired last night, I figured I needed something a little more substantial."

Once the food arrived, though, you stared longingly at Eddie's strawberry and whipped cream covered pancakes. He took mercy on you and slid his plate to the middle of the table so you could take a few bites. You mirrored him with your own plate and he snagged a couple of bites of eggy, hammy, cheesy goodness.

You butt heads good-naturedly when it came time to dress up the plate of hash browns that came with your omelet. You wanted to keep it simple with salt and pepper, while he wanted them doused in ketchup. Back and forth, your forks clinked against each other's chosen condiment, over and over, until it was a veritable sword fight over the side dish.

"Stop it Eddie! They're so nice and crispy, don't ruin them."

"It won't ruin them. What are you saying right now? That you just don't like ketchup? You're breaking my heart."

"Some things are meant to be enjoyed in their pure and undisturbed state. Keep your filthy tomato goop away from my potatoes!"

The two of you laughed all the while, and Eddie swore it was the most fun he had outside of Hellfire in...quite some time.

Benny, who was also amused by your antics but not enough to listen to it for the rest of the morning, decided enough was enough and brought another plate of hash browns, "on the house if it'll prevent a food fight," before he retreated back to the kitchen.

The trip to Thatcher Tires was quick, and then the two of you spent the rest of the afternoon outside of your trailer again, chatting away as Eddie changed your oil. You sat on your stoop and doodled in your sketchbook as he regaled you with stories of his friends and his favorite haunts around Hawkins.

Granny had come out at one point to say hello and promised a welcome-to-the-park casserole, but after she left you noticed how he'd gotten a little sad and asked him what was wrong.

Eddie told you about Ronnie then, how much he missed her. How it was like missing a whole...bite had been taken out of his side when she finally left for college.

It felt like the easiest thing in the world--telling you everything and having you listen--because he'd already done it before, so many times. Only now, you were able to respond; he could look over and see you smile or laugh at one anecdote or another. Or offer some advice about your own friends who you missed. You didn't even judge him when he mentioned he was on his second repeat senior year; you just told him about your own story as an almost-drop-out.

You understood. You saw him. Just like he knew you would.

At some point late in the afternoon, as the sky began to take pink and orange hues and people started coming home from work, Eddie reluctantly called an end to your day together.

"I took up all of your time," he admitted bashfully, hands shoved in his pockets. "I'm sure you have a million things to take care of."

"I mean yeah," you shrugged. "But one day won't hurt. And it was a really good day."

"It was."

"Thanks for everything Eds." You immediately made a face and he laughed. "Eds? No. Ed...Eddie. God, sorry, I hate the whole figuring-out-the-nickname thing. So weird. Thanks for everthing Eddie."

"Yeah don't mention it," he chuckled.

It was a real midwest goodbye as you loitered at the bottom of your steps, prolonging both of your departures. A promise to bring over that tape he said he'd let you borrow, or to come share in Granny's proffered casserole when you finally received it.

Then finally, when you were practically in the door of your trailer, you turned around and stared at him, worrying your lip with your teeth as you often did.

"You know, I wasn't the valedictorian or anything, that's my best friend Sam," you shuffled your feet and paused for a minute. "But if you ever need help with homework or anything..."

"Yeah," he agreed a little too quickly, eager to get more time with you. "No, yeah...that sounds...great."

"I'm pretty good at history," you went on. "I have a crazy memory, you wouldn't even realize."

"No that sounds great, I'm, uh...failing history right now, actually," he admitted.

"Perfect! You know where to find me."

"It's a dat--study session!" He caught himself quickly, but not quick enough. He felt the heat building in his cheeks as you covered your mouth in a giggle. "Ignore me. Ignore that. I'm just gonna go...yeah."

And then, it was like in the movies. The angels were singing, birds chirping, the slowly dying sun beamed brightly on you as you opened your mouth and said:

"It can be a date if you want it to be. I had a lot of fun today, so I, uh, think that would be pretty great actually."

It was everything Eddie ever wanted, everything he ever dreamed.

A real date. With the real, very real, definitely not fictional girl of his dreams.

He smiled the biggest smile he ever had, big enough to rival a shark, that's how happy he was.

"It's a date, then."

Next Chapter: Out of Character Coming Soon

There is no taglist for this series, please follow the STFF Updates tag or check the series out on AO3.

[froggibus]

omg what abt valorant sova/chamber watching their s/o get killed by their mirror counterparts 🤭🤭

The Wrong Reflection - ft Cypher, Chamber, Sova & Phoenix

Includes: Cypher, Chamber, Sova and Phoenix

Genre: angst, hurt/comfort

Summary: you encounter your boyfriend's mirror counterpart and realize all too late what's about to happen, and all he can do is watch

CW: violence, major character death, stabbing, shooting, degrading?, lots of angst, major injuries, near death experience, resurrection, hurt/comfort, some fluff at the end?, fainting

so this isn't *quite* what you asked for but i really loved this idea and wanted to make it a little less angsty so here we are lol...also this is my first time writing about Sova, Chamber & Phoenix so if they're a little OOC or there's timeline issues thats why

————

Cypher:

Though everyone at Valorant had been warned about the evil doppelgangers that seemed to look and sound exactly like your closest comrades, hearing about it just wasn’t the same as seeing it. No matter how many times the other agents testified to you that it was the truth and swore up and down that there were “two Phoenix’s”, you just couldn’t wrap your head around it.

Until now, of course. Sent on a mission with Cypher and Jett, separated when a grenade went off and forced to hide in an alleyway until the smoke cleared, you didn’t think the day could get much worse. Then you saw your boyfriend’s hat through the smoke and went to pursue him, only for him to spin around and shove a dagger just below your ribs.

You flinch and lurch forward, just barely able to catch yourself before going toppling over. He yanks the dagger from your side, and just as you’re about to ask ‘why’, blood bubbles over your lips. You blink a few times, head spinning from both the pain and blood loss. 

Why would he…

And then you remember. You remember the warnings from Brimstone and the stories from Phoenix. This wasn’t your boyfriend at all. This must have been the mirror counterpart they told you about. 

Worst yet, your real boyfriend was nowhere to be found and you’re losing blood fast. It’ll be a miracle if you can even crawl, let alone fight. 

Somehow, you manage to get to your knees and pull out the small pistol you had tucked into your waistband. You brandish the weapon threateningly, swinging it around in a warning. The doppelganger doesn’t seem to care, though. 

You squeeze the trigger.

Cypher is frantic. He’s tearing through the streets, desperately searching for you. He didn’t want to be separated, but there was no other choice. The camera he had placed where you had first been was shrouded in smoke, smoke that was clearing way too slowly for his taste.

How long has it been since your comms went dead? Five minutes? Ten? He shakes his head. He can’t worry about that now. You have to be okay. You can’t die on him now.

He checks his camera one more time, leaning his back on a brick wall in a futile attempt to catch his breath. When the familiar screen loads, he’s relieved to see the smoke finally cleared enough to grant him sights on the streets below. 

The relief lasts only a second.

You’re on your knees, blood pooling down your side and forming a dark puddle on the scorched pavement. And standing in front of you is him. His heart sinks. He doesn’t need audio to know what must have happened. You must have mistaken the counterpart for him, and paid the cost.

Not you, he thinks. Anyone but you. Before he knows it, he’s tearing away from the wall, sprinting as fast as his legs can carry him back to where you were. He’s only seconds away, but he doesn’t even know if he’ll make it in time. He turns the corner just in time to hear the gunshot.

He flinches, heels skidding to a halt. You collapse to the ground face first in a pool of your own blood. His doppelganger is nowhere to be seen. His heart is racing so fast it's painful. Everything seems surreal. This can’t be happening, not to him, not again. 

His only solace is the slight twitch of your body, a miniscule sign of life.

He rushes forwards, dropping onto the pavement and sliding to you. He ignores the burning in his knees, the strain on his lungs. All he cares about is your collapsed form on the ground.

He flips you over, examining every inch of your body. He squints. There’s no bullet wounds, no signs of being shot. There’s only a gash just below your ribs, and that's clearly the source of the blood.

But hadn’t he heard a gunshot?

He looks at the small pistol laying on the ground next to you, the barrel still warm. There’s a bullet hole in the wall in front of you, and he almost sobs in relief. You didn’t get shot. You shot back.

He squeezes your body to his, so happy he almost forgets you’re bleeding out. It’s only when he feels your warm blood staining his clothes and hands that he remembers. 

“I’ve got you, little one,” he murmurs, scooping you up into his arms. “I promise.”

You’re not going to die on him today, he thinks. You’re coming back to him, no matter what.

—

You wake up in your own bed. It takes you a while to realize where you are, your eyes barely able to focus and your head pounding. You inch your way towards sitting up, your side burning the whole time.

What happened? You blink, trying to force yourself into remembering. You had been on a mission, right? With Amir.

Oh, you realize, memories coming back. He was there, but so was his mirror counterpart. And he had stabbed you. That’s why your side hurts. 

Still, it doesn’t explain how you got back, or how you’re even alive.

The door bursts open, and Cypher is standing there panting. “Y-you’re awake!” 

You’re beyond asking how he knows, assuming he put a camera in your room the minute you got back. You just nod, taking in his disheveled state.

“I was so worried,” he closes the door softly, coming down to sit in front of you. “You were…you almost—” he sighs “—are you sore? Can I hold you?”

“Yeah,” you say, your voice so hoarse you barely recognize it.

He wastes no time in wrapping his arms around you and nuzzling his head into your shoulder. “Don’t ever leave me again,” he mumbles into your neck, hot breath fanning over your shoulder, “please. I can’t lose you.”

Chamber:

Chamber had never once been worried about his counterpart. After all, they shared a common goal, and he assumed his counterpart had the same soft spot for you that he did.

He assumed wrong.

It was a month ago when you went on a mission together. A month since you followed the wrong Vincent, and a month since he almost killed you. Had your real boyfriend not been there, you would be toast by now. 

That incident was almost enough to make him reconsider his partnership with his mirror self. Almost. Still, he swore if he ended up in that situation again, he would protect you. That wannabe wouldn’t lay his damn hands on you again.

Now, stepping off the jet with him, you’re not worried. You know better now, and you and Chamber had also come up with a codeword only he would know to distinguish the two.

“Just stay by my side, okay?” He cautions, overprotective as always, “if we stick together, he won’t get the chance.”

You nod, letting him lead you across the abandoned pier. You duck behind storage boxes and abandoned machinery, Vincent trying to find the place where they’re going to plant the bomb. 

There’s a slight clicking behind you, ever so slight, like the scraping of footsteps on gravel. You turn your head for a second, see nothing, and turn back to see your boyfriend staring at you.

“What is it?” You ask, “did you find it?”

He shakes his head, “we already passed it. We have to go back a ways.” You nod in agreement, letting him lead the way. He leads you back the way you came, around a corner and to a deserted place in the docks. The surface is incredibly damp and uneven. You can’t see how they could ever plant a bomb here.

“Are you sure? It looks—”

You’re cut off by him pulling out his pistol and shooting you through the shoulder. The force of the shot is enough to knock you onto your ass, the pressure from the bullet making you scream in pain.

No, you think. This can’t be. You took your eyes off of him for one second, not even. How had he replaced your Chamber? How did your Chamber not notice you missing or—had he done something to him? “How?” You wheeze, applying pressure to your shoulder.

A smirk finds its way to his face.

—

Chamber expects you to be behind him when he runs from the storage box you’re currently behind to another. He’s so sure you’re going to follow him that he doesn’t even turn around. He’s so focused on finding where they’re going to plant that he doesn’t even realize your body heat isn’t behind him. 

To him, nothing seems wrong until he hears the sound of a gun go off. Not just any gun, his pistol. He whips around, expecting you to be there. His heart drops when you’re not. 

How had he tricked you? Did you run off? He shakes his head. You weren’t stupid, he was just too smart for his own good. But if he’s hurt you or worse, Chamber can only imagine the ways he’ll torture his mirror self.

He sprints back to where you were before, desperately looking for any evidence of you or where you could have gone. He tries to think like himself, tries to think of what he would do if he was trying to lure you to an early grave.

But he can’t. He would never hurt you, he would never think to even try. Time is running out, he knows it. If you’re not already dead, you will be in seconds. He slams his fist against the steel of the crate, the pounding echoing throughout the pier. 

He freezes. An echo. That’s right, for the sound to carry where he was, it had to have echoed off the boxes. So, he just has to follow them and find you, right?

He takes off quick as lightning, climbing the crate and leaping across the tops for a better vantage point.  Come on, y/n, he sighs. You can’t die on him like this. You can’t die because of him. 

He’s done a lot of bad things in his life, but he can’t possibly see what he’s done to deserve this. He can’t possibly see what higher power is cruel enough to take you from him.

He’s going fast, faster than he’s gone in his entire life. All he needs is to reach you, to save you, to do his job as your damn boyfriend and protect you. 

He hears a whimper and skids to a halt. There, just below him. You’re laying on the ground, blood pooling around your head. His other self is crouched above you laughing, dragging his pistol across your body.

He’s taunting you, he realizes.

That’s fine. If he wants to play, Chamber will play. His mirror self doesn’t see him coming, doesn’t see his sniper rifle being pulled out. Chamber takes a deep breath, steadying the scope like he’s done a million other times in his life. 

Just as he takes the shot, so does his doppelganger. The bullet rips through your chest, your body seizing once before going limp. The other bullet tears through the skull of his doppelganger and sends him toppling to the ground. 

Chamber hops down, rushing to your side. The blood is pouring out now, and though he’s seen countless people die, it's different when it's the love of his life. Your face and hair are coated in your blood. He hates the way it gets on his hands and covers his sleeves when he tries to apply pressure to the wound.

Your heart is beating, just barely. His mirror self must have missed but…he shakes the thought away. He needs to focus on you now. You can’t die on him, not now. Still, his own hopes don’t change the way your heart rate is slowing down more and more by the second.

He’s out of time.

—

You wake up in a flash of blue light. You have to blink a few times to focus, but the energy coursing through your veins is so intense it's like your senses have been dialed up to 11. Sage is standing in front of you, looking at you in concern. Her eyes are slightly puffy.

Next to her, his head hanging low, is Chamber. Your eyes shoot wide as you remember what happened, and start to register what's going on. He had killed you. Well, not him, but his other self. You died and—and Sage resurrected you.

The energy starts to leave and your strength wanes. You pitch forwards, expecting to hit the floor, but Chamber catches you before that can happen. He’s holding you gently but securely, strong arms unrelenting. 

“Mon chérie,” he sighs into your hair. “I can’t bear to part with you again.”

Sova:

It’s white as far as you can see across the horizon, snow blotting out everything in your path. You’re already nervous—this is a big mission, after all—but the snow just makes you feel even more uneasy. 

Your boyfriend grabs your shoulder reassuringly. “We get in, we get out.” 

You nod at him but your nerves are still on fire. Brim got wind of someone planning on bombing a safe house, and sent you and Sova to go investigate. 

It made sense why your boyfriend would be sent—he practically breathed cold air—but you? You despised the cold. Yet, they were unrelenting in their decision and no matter how many times your boyfriend assured you that you would be fine, you weren’t convinced. 

“Cover your footsteps,” you remind him. “They’re easier to track in the snow.”

He sighs, “angel, there’s nothing out there to hurt you. I’ll protect you.”

It warms your chest slightly to hear him say those words. Only for a second, though, until you make a wrong step into a snowbank and you’re sent tumbling away from him.

You roll to your feet, covered in snow and glaring. You look up to where you were, but your boyfriend is nowhere in sight. 

“Sova?” You call. 

No answer. 

You turn around. Could he have gone a different way? Or did you fall so far that he’s out of sight?

“Sasha!”

You hear a noise behind you and whip around, drawing your weapon. There’s nothing there. “Sasha, please! I—“

“I’m here.”

You turn around, coming face to face with him. He has his head tilted at you curiously, using one hand to push your weapon down. 

You frown. Something seems off. How did he get down here so fast? And if he was here, why wasn’t he answering your calls? 

“Why didn’t you answer me? I was calling you.”

“Sorry,” he shrugs. “I came as fast as I could.”

“Right…let’s get back up, okay, we need to monitor the situation.”

You start hiking through the knee-deep snow, trying to get back to where you were. You pause about halfway up, though, when you realize you don’t hear footsteps behind you. 

You turn around, about to ask why he isn’t coming up with you. You face him, and just as you do, you hear another voice behind you, Sova’s voice, yell: “y/n look out!” 

It’s too late, though. 

The Sova you’re facing let’s an arrow fly loose and you have no time to dodge. It embeds itself into your chest with a seeing pain, and you fall backwards into the snow. Despite the cold, your whole body feels like it’s on fire now. 

Your breaths are shallow and ragged, your chest barely rising and falling with each one. 

Sova stares horrified, looking between you and his doppelgänger. 

As soon as he saw you fall through the snowbank, he was coming up with a plan to come and save you. To get a better look at his surroundings, he uses his Recon bolt. 

That’s when he sees two figures at the bottom of the snowbank. His blood runs cold (or colder than usual), and he’s sprinting towards you. Just when he can see the top of your head, you turn around. 

He gets closer and that’s when he sees someone that looks exactly like him. He tries to warn you, yelling your name, but all he succeeds in doing is distracting you. 

That’s when the other Sova lets an arrow fly at you. You have no time to move before it’s planting itself in your chest. 

Sova nocks an arrow and lets it fly, but all it does is wound his other self. The other Sova gives a half-hearted salute, and runs away. 

Sova runs to your body, the snow beneath you stained red. He checks your pulse, but there’s nothing there. He’s frantic, desperately pressing his head to your chest to hear your heart beating. 

Maybe it’s the cold. 

Hoping is all he can do. Hoping against all odds that the cold has slowed your pulse down enough to save your life, that that’s the reason you’re not breathing. 

He breaks the arrow, hands shaking when he realizes it’s one of his. He tosses the arrowhead to one side and the shaft to another, before lifting you as gently as he can. 

—

You come to in an infirmary bed. Starch white sheets pulled up over your chest. Your eyes adjust to the light and you see that you’re in the Valorant infirmary. 

You try to sit up but your chest burns and you’re left laying down in the bed. You turn your head to the side, just to see Sova laying there. 

His hair dangles in his face, tickling his nose. You smile softly and push it out of the way. He’s frowning in his sleep and dark circles sit under his eyes. 

You wonder how long it’s been since he slept. It was only in his nature to blame himself for something like this. You could only hope it wouldn’t change anything between the two of you. 

You stroke his head gently, flinching when a hand grabs yours. Sova is half awake now, looking at you through tired eyes. His hand is in yours, thumb rubbing circles over the back of your hand. 

“I didn’t mean to wake you,” you say softly. 

“No, no. I’m just—I’m glad you’re alright.”

“How long has it been?” You ask. 

He grabs your other hand in his, his need for contact practically insatiable. “A few days,” he admits. “I was worried you would never wake up…”

“Hey, I’m here,” you give a weak smile, “and I’m alright. But you, you look like hell.”

You slide over in bed as much as you can and pat the spot next to you. “Come rest with me.”

He reluctantly climbs in bed next to you, wrapping his arms around you carefully. He nuzzled his head into your shoulder and kisses it softly. 

The two of you stay like that until he falls asleep. 

Phoenix:

Phoenix was the first to see his doppelgänger—and he would not shut up about it. Night in and night out, he would talk non stop about it. 

“He’s just as cool and as sexy as me—it’s like me, but evil!”

And you would roll your eyes at your boyfriend. “Sure he is, Jamie.”

You never pictured you would come face to face with him, so you never cared too much about your boyfriend’s words. 

Now, on a mission chasing your boyfriend's doppelgänger, you wish you had paid more attention. He really was identical to your Phoenix, and it only made it harder on you. 

You’re pushing yourself hard, harder than ever before, trying your best to catch him. He was faster than you and stronger, and way more agile. It made you wonder just how much he had been holding back on you in training. 

Your Phoenix is nowhere to be seen, too. You split up at the start of the mission and now he wasn’t answering his radio and you had no possible clue where he had gone. 

The Phoenix ahead of you disappears into a building, and despite your unease, you duck through the doorway and follow him. You follow him up the stairs and into a tiny, half-finished room. 

He smirks at you, eyes flickering with flames. “Wow, you really are almost as pretty as my y/n.” 

“It sucks you’re not nearly as hot as my Phoenix.” 

He rolls his eyes at that. You wonder what he’s doing, why he hasn’t attacked yet. Is he waiting for something? You can’t tell. 

You had no time to react when he raises his hands and the whole room erupts into flames. They’re scorching and they take the wood easily. The mirror Phoenix only gives you a half-hearted salute before leaving you to burn. 

You rip off your shirt, using it to cover your face from the smoke. You can’t possibly escape—the windows are barred and the door is blocked by the flames. You’re going to burn to death, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. 

— 

Phoenix only realizes something is wrong when he sees a building up in flames. His comms broke as soon as he left and he had been searching for you ever since. 

When he sees the building, he just knows what must be going on. It only takes a matter of seconds to get inside the building and tear his way up the stairs to where the flames are beginning to spread. 

He sees you, limp in the corner with a shirt pressed over your face. He runs through the flames, the heat barely tickling his skin, and scoops you up into his arms. You’re alive—barely—but he knows running through the flames with you in his arms might do more damage than good. 

He can’t lose you, and staying here he’ll lose you for sure. He has to take the risk, but for the first time in his life, he hesitates. He would rather burn here with you than lose you. 

You start to come to while Phoenix carries you, coughing up blood and wheezing more than breathing. He rubs your back and tries to reassure you that everything will be okay, but he doesn’t know what he’s going to do. 

You’re awake, and that’s a good sign, but you need more medical attention than he can possibly give you in the field. He already called HQ but he has no idea when they’ll be here. 

He settles down on the ground near where the jet will pick you guys up, holding you firmly on his lap. He kisses your forehead, rubs your back and tries to keep you as calm as possible. 

You slump into him, arms lazily wrapped around his shoulders. His touch is reassuring but your skin still feels like it’s on fire and your lungs still ache from the smoke. 

You silently hope you make it through this because you know if you don’t, it’ll tear him apart. 

[emmet-appreciation]

im gonna go to sleep real quick but first i have a feeling that if PLA released a DLC to reunite the twins, it’d go a bit like this:

a strange man is found in the crimson mirelands. he was brought straight into the diamond clan settlement where Adaman immediately recognizes him, and relays the information to the Galaxy Team

Kamado and Cyllene bring this to you and Ingo’s attention, and decide that it might be best to send you both to check it out (on account of also being strange people brought into Hisui)

anyway you arrive there and yeah. this is a strange man he speaks in abrupt sentences and also has strange attire that resembles Ingo’s... though it seems to be in mint condition. 

similarly to ingo he has no memory. none. only his name. they both kinda stare at each other like “woah. you have my face” and such. ingo thinks this guy is important to his backstory but isn’t sure how. Someone throws the idea of them being twins and he considers it, but is like “seems kinda unlikely.”

so yeah. they both stick together bc it just Feels Right and they are coordinated to the point that you HAVE to believe they practiced together for hours. 

then they’re like “hm. if we’re not from hisui, let’s find out how we got here” and here comes the sidequest of figuring out what the hell happened

the event flag should come after catching arceus so you just let it out of the pokeball and casually ask the god of this world if it kidnapped two new york men 

(alternatively you can just text god on your handy phone bc that idea is hilarious and let’s be honest, the entire fandom thought ab that when the arc phone was first introduced)

it’s like “idk man” and now you’re led on a goose chase to find the next suspect: Volo. Who is currently MIA. Ingo has doubts about it being Volo but he doesn’t have any memory so he brushes it aside. Emmet has no idea what’s happening but he follows along anyway

you end up going down some ruins and as you pass by murals Ingo and Emmet regain some more memories. perhaps by talking with each other or maybe ruin powers, idk. 

this part is entirely gen 5 fan bait. they start gushing ab the battle subway and battling and unova and hmmm what were the names of those particularly strong trainers and one of them became champion and also overthrew PETA? (through this we can also get a timeline of when exactly they were isekaied lol)

we get to volo. he is sealed away in some McGuffin and no one knows how to get him out. very suspicious. you take it and then the three of you get back to Jubilife village

there isn’t rly a way to get volo out but Emmet decides to stay with Ingo in the village in the meantime, hoping that they will get some answers once you figure out how to get the megalomaniac out of his prison

double battles and multi battles become a thing (about time), and the whole ordeal inspires Anthe to make some clothes based off of Ingo and Emmet’s uniform. hooray! 

yey :)

[luimagines]

STORY IDEAS 💕 ok sooo (also all of this happened in times Hyrule)

Reader is one of the best captains and reader is like real strong and strict ANDDDD reader is jealous of Time cause he obviously turned in Ganondorf when he was sent in a new timeline and reader is just like “I should’ve been the one to turn in this man!” so reader is ordered to check on the guards at the gate of Hyrule castle and reader sees the chain walking towards the gate but before the chain could walk in the two guards and reader stops them asking what they’re here for and when reader saw Time reader ordered the knights to inform Zelda about this and asks time why is he here and who are the people behind them and time says “this is business that I should talk to Queen Zelda about.” And reader is NOT HAVING it and is like “No you tell me first so I can be sure and let you in.” and Time tells them n stuff and reader is shocked but doesn’t believe it and asks him and the others to leave War and Twi try to resolve it but reader ignores them and continues to ask them to leave or they’re gonna force the chain out themselves and time refuses and it’s like a long pause before reader tries to fight Time like the fight is so intense and eventually Zelda comes out and stops the fight and asks the chain to come with her while reader went back to doing their own thing and eventually time visits reader before reader goes home to talk about the fight and reader apologizes n stuff

Hope you like this request? It’s not the best lol

Oh man! That sounds chaotic. XD

I at first thought that it was a story in of itself. I think you have a clear story in your head.

I do have to apologize though. Requests are closed. Keep this mind for the future though! And send it again when they're open!

[kanmom51]

Jikook/ Kookmin (however you like to call them) masterlist Part 1

A Jikook loud moment

Jikook are not brothers

Jikook protective moments

Sure Jikook are not the same

Jikook cheesiest moments

Tae policing or trolling Jikook

2013-14 Jikook

Jikook ain’t fanservice

Jeonolous toxic narrative

Big moments talked about a lot I think aren't as big and moments that aren't talked about enough

Is Jungkook being himself most with Jimin

When JK says army, who does he mean?

Do BHM know about Jikook

Moments JM melts for JK

Most obvious Jikook moment

JK & JM’s special connection

Jikook moments I always go back to

When JM is obvious

Jimin jealous.  Or is he?

JK collapsing - Wings concert Santiago Chile 2017

the difference between JK&JM dynamics and the other members of the band

JK eating V’s ear - is this really being compared to RB?

I don't believe in this narrative of Jeonlous

Top 10 Jikook moments

JK loves to blow in JM’s hair...

RM being hypersensitive with his reactions to JK

JM/JK matching clothes

Moments JK/JM are hands on

When there is sexual tension and when there isn’t

Jikook hickies?

What I love about KM’s dynamics

JM’s Tweet on JK’s graduation day - “my mochi” & JM’s reaction

Free JK from clingy JM - NOT , link 2, link 3

JK&JM just something more than skinship

JK looking at JM - Boy in luv

What outside skinship makes me think Jikook are real?

JK physically moving the others to be next to JM

JM flying back for JK’s birthday 2019 - his Saudi Vlive

Shift in Jikook dynamics 2015

RB 2019 JK making a statement

Did Jikook ever get carried away on stage?

JM loves telling us JK is handsome

2015 Jikook shift in dynamics

JM&JK are not in a mother/son relationship

JK wants to kiss for 5 min.?

Do Jikook share their fights with the rest of the members?

Jealous JM?

The Jikook “aww” heart warming/breaking/ripping moment for me

Jikook - the puzzle pieces

Did JM stop seeking JK’s attention in 2015?

JK checking out JM moments

KM fights we know of

JM looking at JK

Jikook moments I went “maybe they should have kept this private”

JM driving JK crazy

One of those JM staring at JK moments

Jikook in London ;  

Jikook in London 2

JM staring at JK

Jikook are not Romeo and Juliet (the tragedy)

JK doesn’t shy away from skinship with JM

JK is smitten with JM

JK familiar with JM ;  

More of JK familiar with JM

Just one of those days in the practice studio

When Jikook are not sat together in lives

Yellow and Jikook

Jikook is more than physical attraction

JM sleeps late - it must mean Jikook are no more (not)

Satellite Jeon is not toxic

The way JK and JM look at each other

Jikook hesitation to touch

They (the editors) said it

How JK makes JM laugh

Jikook being consistent

JK flirting with JM

Jikook - those undeniable moments

JM - I’m Army

Are JM and JK living together?

JK “I love you” handsign to JM on red carpet

Catalyst explained

Arguing with your bff as opposed to arguing with your bf

Jikook being together at 4 am - what makes it more

JK’s “Jimin-ssi”’s

RB yet again

Members mixing JK & JM up

Festa 2020 - Jikook and the rainy day fight

Did JM pull away from JK after JK’s looks ranking in late 2014?

KBS song festival 2016 (29 Dec 2016) how does it fit in the timeline?

JK & JM’s reactions to a fan screaming Jikook

JK’s reaction to Taemin

JM’s birthday Tweets for JK

The way JK looks at JM

Jikook selfie for JK’s 2021 birthday

Spot the differences

Was it a coincidence?

Film out & Jikook

Jikook Melon 2018

Nay sayers and what they are unwilling to see

BH editors are the biggest Jikook’s?

Jikook have been telling us they are together for years now

Jikook are the real deal, not a fantasy sold by BH

Save Jungkook from toxic fans

The way JK carries JM

I do think JM’s selfie on JK’s birthday was taken that day

MOTS ONE hickey - this is something huge

Jikook ain’t fanservice nor queerbaiting - they are the real deal

Jikook want to show their true selves

Hickey gate - no remorse, lol

The actual discussion between JK & JM prior to Hickey-gate

Jikook and award shows

Jimin & JK’s neck

that ain’t cake JK is looking at

Jikook showing their love is not disrespectful

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s confirmed, we have a hickey

JK loves to carry JM & JM loves to be carried by JK

JM clip uploaded on JK’s birthday 2018 - was there a kiss?

Are Jikook signaling to us?

Jikook and hand holding

Jikook selfie 18 September 2021

JK & JM in sync again

Jikook are a winning product

Yet a couple of more Jikook moments

JM & JK June 2014

Why I think JK was the first to initiate 

JM & JK at the airports (NY & Seoul) September 2021

Jikook love and the way they look at each other

BTS on nightline

September 2014 fansign - just two young men crushing

Jikook push the boundaries then pulling back

JK birthday posts for JM

The way Jiook lean into each other when sitting next to each other

Jikook’s relationship - what it’s made of

Spot the couple

[agent-whiskeys-sweetheart]

Meant To Be

Pairing: Hotch x F!Reader

Summary: You are studying to be an FBI profiler with a little over a year left before graduation. When the BAU team shows up in your town for a case you jump at the chance to shadow them for a day. However, things quickly take a turn when you meet Aaron Hotchner, your future boss. And the most breathtaking man you’ve ever met. 

Warnings: None! A little dramatic??? This is a purely self indulgent, love at first sight kind of fic so just prepare yourselves. 

Word Count: 4,063

A/N: So I had a mild stroke trying to figure out the timeline for this series so please just don’t look too much into it lol.

MAY 2006

FORT WORTH, TX

It was just barely six in the morning when you pulled into the parking lot of the precinct. Although the sun hadn’t peaked over the horizon yet, you were surprisingly awake. In preparation for the day you had gone to bed at eight the night before which left you well-rested and alert. There was no way you were going to let yourself be off your game. Not today. Of all your classmates, you had certainly progressed the quickest. Due to your high success rate, your professor had authorized you to shadow the team of FBI profilers that were coming to your city for a case. It was an amazing opportunity for someone with a over a year left before graduation so you immediately accepted. Not allowing yourself to make even the slightest mistake, you planned everything down to the last detail in the days leading up to this. Nothing would be able to faze you. With the confidence of a woman who’d been working in this precinct all her life, you strode into the lobby. The receptionist asked for your ID which you quickly displayed. It was only temporary but even so, there was a certain amount of power you felt when she cleared you to continue into the building. After stopping briefly to ask for directions you made your way back to the Police Chief’s office. When he hears your knock, he looks up from his paperwork with a polite smile.

“Well, good morning. What can I help you with?” Clearing your throat, you prepare your most professional voice as you reply.

“My name is Y/N L/N. We met earlier this week. I’m going to be shadowing the team of profilers who are flying in today.” Recognition crosses his features as he makes his way over to shake your hand.

“Of course. I remember. It’s nice to see you again. You’re very punctual. That’s a good skill to hang on to.” You smile in gratitude. “Well, the profilers aren’t here just yet. If you’d like you can wait in here or we can find an empty desk for you.” 

“Actually, I was hoping I could look over the case files. I’d like to be as up-to-date as possible before they arrive.” As he nods, the two of you make your way into the hallway. Towards the back corner of the common workspace is an empty desk that he allows you to sit at. While you put your things down and take a seat he disappears long enough to retrieve a file folder and set it on the desk in front of you. 

“This should be enough information for you to be able to help out. If you’ve got any questions in the meantime, you know where I’m at.” With another polite smile, he leaves you to continue his paperwork. It doesn’t take long for you to read the case file. There had been a conspicuous string of murders in the area, which began about two weeks ago. Four couples were murdered in their homes, all wealthy without children. A list of witnesses and family members had been compiled to make the interview process a little easier. You predicted you’d most likely be helping one of the profilers in questioning the people on this list so you tried your best to memorize the names. 

It seemed like hardly any time had passed when you heard the main doors of the precinct opening to reveal a group of five people walking up to the receptionist’s desk. The sight of them immediately perked you up. It was difficult to make out any individual faces at first but you knew these must be the profilers. As they each scanned their IDs and made their way into the main workspace you quickly gathered your things so that you would be ready to move the moment they were. It didn’t take long for the Chief of Police to reappear, welcoming the profilers and showing them where they could set up their equipment. Every member of the team had a distinctly different look and behavior but they all seemed to work in unison. Even though they’d only been there for five minutes they exuded professionalism and efficiency. As you watched them you had to remind yourself to breathe. You had as much right to be there as them. Admittedly they did have a lot more experience than you but that didn’t change the fact that you’re all on the same team now. 

Waiting patiently, you finish putting the case file back together and fold your hands to rest them on the edge of the desk. When the Chief of Police calls you over you gather up your things and make your way around the various desks to stand next to him. 

“This here is Miss L/N. She’s a student at our local university. She’s gonna be tagging along with you guys today for a little real-world practice.” As he introduces you, you take the opportunity to study the faces of the people in front of you. There is only one you recognize for certain. They all have their attention set on you as well which makes you suddenly very aware of yourself. “Anyway, I’ll let you all introduce yourselves.” With a nod, he turns to speak to you. “If you don’t mind stopping by my office at the end of the day, I’ll get you all checked out alright? In the meantime, have fun I guess.” He adds with a laugh before finally leaving you alone with the others. 

The first one to extend his hand to you is the one person you are familiar with. More than familiar, seeing as he is kind of your hero. You had been the one to initiate the arrangement, having sent him an email a few weeks ago. He had seemed more than willing to let you work with them for the day and he was nothing but helpful, just like you knew he would be. Seeing him now was nearly surreal.

“Y/N, I remember.” He begins, shaking your hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Jason Gideon, as you know. Glad to have you on board.” 

“It’s absolutely an honor to meet you, sir. I’ve been a follower of your work since I knew what profiling was. I am so grateful for this opportunity. I am more than ready to help in any way I can.” As you speak, a warm smile lights his face. One of friendliness and hope.

“Of course. I think I speak for my team when I say we’re grateful as well. Not many people in our field get a chance to guide the next generation to a life of helping others. Anything we can do to support you as a future member of our team, we’re happy to do.” This response is entirely heartfelt and shocking to you. Of all the ways you’d imagined this interaction starting, this wasn’t what you had in mind and yet it was exactly what you needed. 

“Thank you, sir.” Was all you could manage as you work to maintain your fading air of professionalism. 

“Well, with that I’ll let everyone do their own introductions.” Almost immediately another man stepped out of line and reached for your hand. He was very conventionally handsome and the way he carried himself told you he knew that he was good-looking. The smile he flashed you was contagious as you shook hands with him.

“Nice to meet you, sweetheart. I’m Agent Derek Morgan and I am very excited to get to know you.” The woman next to him has to pull him away, shooting him a look. She seems very severe and yet when she turns to look at you there is a distinct kindness in her eyes.

“Knock it off Morgan. You’re gonna scare her off before she even gets a chance to meet anyone else.” She says over her shoulder, taking your hand. “I’m Elle. If he keeps bugging you, I’ll be more than happy to rough him up for you.” Morgan holds his hands up defensively when he catches Elle’s eye again before giving you a small wink. 

“Nice to meet you both.” It’s hard to contain your laughter but you manage, giving a small smile instead. Another woman is standing beside Gideon who shakes your hand. She is very beautiful and seems to exude confidence and grace. 

“I’m JJ. I’m the Communications Liaison for the BAU. We spoke briefly last week.” You nod in recognition. She had helped you coordinate the time and place to meet up for the day.  

“Of course. Very nice to meet you in person.” 

“Likewise. We’re excited to be working with you.” She gives you a warm smile which you gladly return before looking to the last person in the small group. He looks to be about your age, very sensibly dressed with a nice posture. There is a slight awkwardness in the way that he shakes your hand but he gives you a quick smile and you can see that he has a hidden friendliness in his demeanor. 

“I’m Dr. Spencer Reid.” He says shortly to which you politely nod. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” With that, you turn back to Gideon to ask about your assignment for the day. However, you can’t help but feel like something is missing. “I read through the case file this morning so I can be of use wherever I’m needed. Did you have an assignment in mind or will I be moving around throughout the day?” 

“I think it would be beneficial for you to work with SSA Hotchner. He should be here any minute.” That’s what was missing. Hotchner. You had heard his name before but you didn’t know much about him. As you waited for him to arrive, Gideon began delegating tasks to each of the other members. Despite not being given a task yet you listened intently until the front doors of the precinct opened. 

However you had pictured Hotchner, the man that walked through that door was the furthest thing from what you expected. The sight of him striding in from the lobby made your breath catch in your throat. There was an innate power in the way that he moved. So much purpose and intensity. His eyes were dark and they found your face almost immediately. It was enough to make you squirm but you maintained your composure. Gideon turned to greet him before gesturing back towards you. “This is Y/N L/N. She’s a student who is here to shadow the team for the day.” 

With the slightest hesitation, you extended your hand toward him. His eyes didn’t leave yours for a moment as he shook your hand. 

“I’m SSA Aaron Hotchner. It’s very nice to meet you.” He spoke with a clear sense of professionalism. 

“It’s nice to meet you too. I’m looking forward to working with you. I have a feeling I’m going to learn a lot from this experience.” 

“I hope so. It was very smart of you to seize this opportunity. It does not come around often. Soak up everything you can today and I’m sure it will bring you a lot of success in the future.” You listen to him intently, nodding with a small smile. 

“Hotch, would you mind if she rides along with you today? We’ve got a list of witnesses we need to speak to and I think it would be good for her to get out in the field rather than being stuck here doing paperwork.” Gideon interjects, looking to both of you as he proposes the idea. Hotchner looks around the precinct briefly for the other team members before giving Gideon his attention again.

“Of course. Do I need to brief her on the case?” 

“Actually, I already familiarized myself with the case file before you all got here this morning.” You interrupt before Gideon can respond, causing both the men to look at you. “Sir.” You add, clearing your throat. They both share a knowing look. 

“Perfect,” Hotchner replied, with a respectful nod. Satisfied with the interaction, Gideon dismissed himself to begin his work leaving the two of you alone. “Give me a few minutes to speak with the Chief of Police and then we can get started. Would you mind waiting out front for me?” You nod eagerly which prompts him to walk back toward the Chief’s office. Once he has disappeared around the corner you make your way to the front of the building, stepping through the main doors. The cool morning air brings with it a sweet wave of relief. You hadn’t realized how hot you were until you had stepped outside. Nerves were already building up in your system when you were being introduced to the rest of the team but meeting Hotchner had tipped you over the edge. There was no denying that he was a very handsome man. The evidence was in the blush that was surely covering your face. Mentally scolding yourself you take a deep breath. You were a professional and you would act as such. No matter how deeply moved you felt when he looked into your eyes like that. 

A few minutes later Hotchner made his way through the front doors causing you to stand at attention. Moving briskly, you followed him into the parking lot and pulled yourself into the passenger seat of the dark SUV he had just unlocked. He remained silent as he began typing an address into the GPS before pulling out of the parking lot. Once you were on the road he looked over at you briefly.

“How much do you know about questioning witnesses?” He began.

“Quite a bit. I’m only about a year away from graduation so I have a fairly advanced understanding of a wide variety of concepts that pertain to profiling.” Watching the GPS, he nods. Feeling a tinge of awkwardness, you allow your eyes to stay focused on your lap.

“Good. Any real-world experience?” 

“Unfortunately no. In my courses, we do simulate certain scenarios fairly often but there isn’t much opportunity for real application.” 

“Well the best advice I can give for today is to stay quiet and watch me. If I need you to speak up, I will tell you as much. Otherwise, don’t say anything. It isn’t that I distrust you. It would just be irresponsible of me to allow someone with zero field experience to question the victim’s friends and family during some of the most difficult times of their lives. Especially without having seen what they’re capable of beforehand. I’m sure you understand.” 

“Oh absolutely. I completely understand. I know that I’m here in more of an observational capacity today. And even if I wasn’t, you’re the boss. No explanation necessary.” Hotchner is quiet for a moment. If you hadn’t been so preoccupied with avoiding eye contact, you would have seen the remnants of a smile on his face.

“I should have you talk to the rest of the team. They could learn a thing or two from you.” This causes you to laugh lightly. 

When you finally do decide to look at him the sight steals your breath yet again. He is bathed in the golden light of the rising sun and he seems almost ethereal. You can see a flash of his deep brown eyes which seemed very soft now in the glow of the sun. As though he could feel you looking at him he turns to meet your eyes although this time you don’t look away. The two of you sit there in what seems like the most eternal moment, dancing in and out of each other before he breaks away to look back at the road. For a moment you could almost swear you saw something there in his eyes, something almost like longing. It must have just been a trick of the light. 

“So, what made you decide to be a profiler?” The moment is over as quickly as it began as he speaks up. 

“Well, I’ve always had a deep fascination with the human psyche. Finding out what makes people tick. Picking apart their personalities, their behaviors. Growing up that almost felt like the only way to understand the kids around me. By studying them. Every friendship I had felt like a science project. When I found out that I could use that ability to be part of something bigger than myself, to make the world just a little brighter ... well, it was really a no-brainer.” 

“That’s very ... noble and, honestly, very uplifting to hear. With this job, you experience a lot more bad days than you do good. Sometimes it is hard to remember why we started doing this in the first place. It’s people like you that remind me this job is worth it. Hang on to those beliefs. They’ll help keep you sane, I can promise you that.” With a nod, you give him a kind smile.

“I will. I promise.” It isn’t much longer before you arrive at the first house. The interview is fairly straightforward. You stay close by Hotchner’s side as he introduces the both of you. Once you’re inside you sit quietly as he begins asking questions, merely listening and taking mental notes of the way he conducts himself. It is over fairly quickly and then you’re both back in the SUV and off to your next destination. The next two interviews are the same. On the third, he lets you ask a few routine questions. It is a simple gesture but you are very grateful for the experience and you handle yourself very well. 

Your final interview is with the parents of the latest male victim. When Hotchner knocks on the door, it takes a minute for it to open. Standing on the other side is an older man with a tired expression. 

“Yes? What is it?” The man says briskly. Hotchner pulls out his badge.

“I am SSA Aaron Hotchner with the FBI. This is Miss Y/N L/N. May we come in?” Hearing the term FBI causes the man’s expression to darken rather quickly as he looks between the two of you.

“Where’s your badge?” He questions, nodding in your direction. Remaining silent, you share a look with Hotchner. After a second of thought he gives you a small nod of approval.

“I’m not actually an FBI agent yet, sir. I’m a criminology student at the local university. I’m shadowing Agent Hotchner today as a learning opportunity before getting out in the field myself.” 

“A learning opportunity?” It takes the man almost no time to answer and you can hear a significant shift in his voice. “You’re using my son’s death as a learning opportunity?” 

“You misunderstand--” Hotchner begins in your defense before you quickly cut him off with your own response.

“Sir, I can’t begin to fathom what you’re going through. But I can promise you that my lack of experience is entirely made up for by my desire to see the person who did this to your son pay for it. It doesn’t take training to see that your son deserves justice for his death.” The man is silent but keeps his eyes locked on yours. 

“My wife and I have already told the police everything we know.” 

“We know, sir. It will only take a few moments of your time and anything you can tell us might be crucial in finding your son’s killer.” 

“No. No, we’ve already talked about this more than any parent should ever have to. If it’s that important go ask the police what we said.”

“Please, sir--” Before he can finish, the man smacks the door frame.

“It took the deaths of eight innocent people for you to swoop in and save the day. You really think I want to waste a second of my time speaking with you? I have nothing more to say. Now get out of here.” With that, Hotchner nods before turning to leave which prompts you to quickly follow. As you get near the SUV you are startled by the sound of the man’s door being slammed shut. Once inside you release the breath that had been caught in your chest. When you look over at Hotchner his expression shows a deadly calmness and you are suddenly struck by the idea that he must be pissed at you.

“I’m so sorry. That was all my fault. I upset him. I shouldn’t have said anything to him. I should have just kept my mouth shut like you told me to. I had no right to do that. I’m sorry.” The crushing weight of embarrassment and guilt settled over you. This morning you had felt more than ready but now it seemed like the day had been filled with challenges you couldn’t possibly have prepared for. In only a few hours you had managed to show your boss that you are completely incompetent. You ready yourself for what must surely be his wrath however when he turns towards you his expression shifts from one of unwavering calm to gentle kindness.

“It’s okay. I’m not angry with you. What you said was perfect, it’s exactly what I would have said. You were establishing a rapport with him to gain his trust. You did the right thing. Believe me, it wasn’t you. There is nothing either of us could have said that would have gotten a different result.” When he sees that you are still wary he shifts in his seat to face you more directly. “As a future member of my team, you have my trust. You handled yourself very impressively today. You’re going to make a very fine addition to the BAU.” 

His words ease your anxious mind as you nod quietly. Soon after Hotchner is pulling back out onto the street to take you both back to the police precinct. After a minute of silence he glances over at you.

“So ... are you still sure you want to do this?” The question catches you off-guard but it takes you no time at all to answer.

“More than anything.” This time you do catch the faint smile that crosses his lips which causes you to give a small smile in return.

“Good.” Is all he says for the rest of the ride back to the precinct.

The day is over much more quickly than you had hoped for. When you step back into the police building you make a beeline for the chief’s office, remembering his request that you find him again at the end of the day. You return your temporary ID and he fills out a form for your professor to verify your activity for the day. Once the formalities are over he bids you a good evening and shows you back out to the main workspace. The team all gather briefly to say their goodbyes as well. You thank Gideon profusely for allowing you to join them before shaking hands with the rest of the team members. As you make your way to the exit you see Hotchner standing near the main doors. 

“Thank you so much for letting me tag along today. I really learned a lot.” As you say this you extend your hand which he quickly takes. 

“Absolutely. It was a pleasure working with you and I look forward to seeing you again in a few years. In the meantime, here’s my card.” He reaches into his inside jacket pocket and pulls out his business card which he hands to you. “If you ever need anything, feel free to give me a call.” Tucking the card safely into your pocket you thank him with a smile before heading out the main doors to your car. 

Once inside you pull the card out of your pocket and sit for a minute, staring at it. Unable to control yourself you let a giddy smile paint your face. After the day you had, a year has never seemed longer. The anticipation of your future at the BAU looms over you but rather than filling you with nerves it brings you hope and excitement for the things to come. Opening a small compartment on your dash, you tuck the business card away before heading home to get a good night’s sleep filled with wonderful dreams.

Tags: @talesfromtheguild @lannister-slings-and-arrows @gamingaquarius @gryffindorwriter @nopeforyou @sheerfreesia007 @roxypeanut @ohpedromypedro @ithinkhesgaybutwesavedmufasa @readsalot73 @the-mechanical-angel @races-erster @maxlordd @pascalisthepunkest @paintballkid711 @hotchafterhours @h0tchner @ssahotchswife @ssahotchhner @technotic-prophecy @klinenovakwinchester​